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REPS. PALLONE AND ROYCE CALL ON TURKEY TO ABOLISH ARTICLE 301
armradio.am
24.01.2008 10:51
Armenian Caucus Co-Chair Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) and
Caucus Member Representative Ed Royce (R-CA) called on Turkey to
honor the memory of journalist and human rights activist Hrant Dink
by repealing Article 301 of the Turkish penal code, the Armenian
Assembly of America reports.
In separate remarks on the House floor, both lawmakers commemorated
the first anniversary of Dink's assassination on an Istanbul street
in broad daylight on January 19, 2007. Before his murder, Dink was
awaiting trial for allegedly violating Article 301 which outlaws
"insulting Turkishness," for his writings on the Armenian Genocide.
Pallone noted that Turkey continues to persecute and incarcerate
people for exercising their universal right of freedom of speech.
"Turkey uses intimidation to deny its citizens their right to freedom
of expression," Pallone stated. "It lobbies for its so-called rightful
role in the international community and a place in the European
Union. Yet it does not live up to democratic principles and standards."
"It is my sincere hope that the Turkish government will use this
occasion to reflect upon this restrictive article and rescind it
before it does more harm," said Royce.
Congressman Royce signed on yesterday as a cosponsor of the resolution
condemning the assassination of Hrant Dink, H. Res. 102.
"We appreciate the efforts of Congressmen Pallone and Royce in
bringing this important issue to the forefront of Congress," said
Assembly Executive Director Bryan Ardouny. "It is vital that America
demonstrates its commitment to human rights, and fundamental freedoms
to the rest of the world."
armradio.am
24.01.2008 10:51
Armenian Caucus Co-Chair Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) and
Caucus Member Representative Ed Royce (R-CA) called on Turkey to
honor the memory of journalist and human rights activist Hrant Dink
by repealing Article 301 of the Turkish penal code, the Armenian
Assembly of America reports.
In separate remarks on the House floor, both lawmakers commemorated
the first anniversary of Dink's assassination on an Istanbul street
in broad daylight on January 19, 2007. Before his murder, Dink was
awaiting trial for allegedly violating Article 301 which outlaws
"insulting Turkishness," for his writings on the Armenian Genocide.
Pallone noted that Turkey continues to persecute and incarcerate
people for exercising their universal right of freedom of speech.
"Turkey uses intimidation to deny its citizens their right to freedom
of expression," Pallone stated. "It lobbies for its so-called rightful
role in the international community and a place in the European
Union. Yet it does not live up to democratic principles and standards."
"It is my sincere hope that the Turkish government will use this
occasion to reflect upon this restrictive article and rescind it
before it does more harm," said Royce.
Congressman Royce signed on yesterday as a cosponsor of the resolution
condemning the assassination of Hrant Dink, H. Res. 102.
"We appreciate the efforts of Congressmen Pallone and Royce in
bringing this important issue to the forefront of Congress," said
Assembly Executive Director Bryan Ardouny. "It is vital that America
demonstrates its commitment to human rights, and fundamental freedoms
to the rest of the world."