Turkish Journalist Given Suspended Sentence For “Insulting the State”

A Turkish court sentenced Hrank Dink to a six month sentence (suspended) for “insulting the state” for writing articles that criticize Turkey’s official position that it never participated in genocide against Armenians in the early part of the 20th century. The defendant said he will appeal, through Turkey’s courts, and if necessary through the European courts. Meanwhile, Turkey has opened negotiations with the European Union in an attempt to join that organization. Some observers consider its lack to sensitivity to freedom of speech, including the conviction of Mr. Dink, and an upcoming prosecution of novelist Orhan Pamuk on similar charges, among other issues, may make its admission to the EU difficult.  Read more here about the Dink proceeding in the Financial Times. Read coverage in the Turkish Daily News here (signup required–free).