This trial observation report illustrates how the failure of the State to safeguard the right to freedom of expression and the media led to the death of one of Turkey’s most prominent journalists, Hrant Dink.

In July 2007 KHRP organised a joint mission with BHRC, Index on Censorship and Article 19 to observe the opening of the trial of Dink’s alleged assassins. This report attempts to outline the background to the killing of Hrant Dink and examines the indictment against the alleged perpetrators as well as claims of State complicity in the murder.

The mission noted, inter alia, that the proceedings raised numerous concerns with regard to substantive issues, namely the scope of the investigation and the possible participation of the police, gendarmerie and intelligence services as evidence suggests that these were aware of the assassination plot and failed to take any action. More broadly however, the report highlights the restrictive legislation which encroaches on the right to free speech and provides support for the argument that ‘301 killed Hrant Dink’.

ISBN 978-1-905592-11-1

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