A BRAVE CAUSE
By Sabahat Demir
Turkish Press, MI
March 13 2007
TURKIYE- In years past, French historians stated that the so-called
Armenian genocide allegations should be discussed between historians
by examining documents. But the West, which supposedly prioritizes
science, turned its back on science by ignoring the scholars' decision.
European Union member states, which are urging Turkey to change
Article 301, contrary to their principles, have begun one by one to
enact laws to punish denial of the Armenian 'genocide.'
Western countries, which also put into force of laws forbidding denial
of the so-called Armenian genocide, have revealed that their loyalty
to the principles of European civilization is just a show.
Angry at suffering a clear wrong, we have written on the matter and
made speeches, while others organized panels.
Unfortunately this has accomplished little.
Criticisms have been voiced that Turks don't seem very active, as while
the Armenian diaspora's efforts in Western countries are heating up,
our premier's proposal of a joint commission of Turkish and Armenian
historians to discuss the issue in light of documents hasn't gained
any ground among Armenians. But everybody has something to do for
this cause.
Here, Labor Party (IP) leader Dogu Perincek blazed a trail by providing
an example of how a cause can be defended bravely.
What did he do?
By traveling to Switzerland -- which has made it a crime to deny the
genocide allegations -- with documents in hand, Perincek showed the
courage and bravery to say 'the so-called Armenian genocide is an
imperialist lie.'
In other words, he showed how to wage a democratic fight by attracting
world attention to the issue.
He demonstrated to the entire world that Switzerland , which arrogantly
calls itself a land of freedom, in reality lacks freedom of speech.
Perincek stood in court in Switzerland for his remarks. A prejudiced
judge sentenced him to pay 9,000 Swiss franks in lieu of 90 days in
prison. Perincek said he would appeal the decision.
Perincek was welcomed by his supporters with great enthusiasm when
he came back to the country a few days ago. I hope that Perincek's
brave stance and cause will be a good example to all those who love
their land and want to defend the rights of the public.
By Sabahat Demir
Turkish Press, MI
March 13 2007
TURKIYE- In years past, French historians stated that the so-called
Armenian genocide allegations should be discussed between historians
by examining documents. But the West, which supposedly prioritizes
science, turned its back on science by ignoring the scholars' decision.
European Union member states, which are urging Turkey to change
Article 301, contrary to their principles, have begun one by one to
enact laws to punish denial of the Armenian 'genocide.'
Western countries, which also put into force of laws forbidding denial
of the so-called Armenian genocide, have revealed that their loyalty
to the principles of European civilization is just a show.
Angry at suffering a clear wrong, we have written on the matter and
made speeches, while others organized panels.
Unfortunately this has accomplished little.
Criticisms have been voiced that Turks don't seem very active, as while
the Armenian diaspora's efforts in Western countries are heating up,
our premier's proposal of a joint commission of Turkish and Armenian
historians to discuss the issue in light of documents hasn't gained
any ground among Armenians. But everybody has something to do for
this cause.
Here, Labor Party (IP) leader Dogu Perincek blazed a trail by providing
an example of how a cause can be defended bravely.
What did he do?
By traveling to Switzerland -- which has made it a crime to deny the
genocide allegations -- with documents in hand, Perincek showed the
courage and bravery to say 'the so-called Armenian genocide is an
imperialist lie.'
In other words, he showed how to wage a democratic fight by attracting
world attention to the issue.
He demonstrated to the entire world that Switzerland , which arrogantly
calls itself a land of freedom, in reality lacks freedom of speech.
Perincek stood in court in Switzerland for his remarks. A prejudiced
judge sentenced him to pay 9,000 Swiss franks in lieu of 90 days in
prison. Perincek said he would appeal the decision.
Perincek was welcomed by his supporters with great enthusiasm when
he came back to the country a few days ago. I hope that Perincek's
brave stance and cause will be a good example to all those who love
their land and want to defend the rights of the public.
