‘Sent to the Depths of Mourning’
Rakel Dink Speaks Out Against Release of Hrant Dink’s Convicted Murderer
Renowned human rights activist Rakel Dink made a powerful statement at the ‘Minority Rights Conference on the 100th Anniversary of the Republic’ organized by the Hrant Dink Foundation. Dink addressed the recent release of Ogün Samast, the convicted murderer of her late husband Hrant Dink, during her opening speech at the conference.
Expressing her disappointment, Rakel Dink stated, “As you all know, 2 days ago, they released the person who was said to be Hrant’s murderer. Once again, they threw injustice in our faces and sent us back to the heaviest days of mourning. They reminded us of this once again. It is not possible to talk about minority rights in Turkey without addressing Hrant’s murder. Of course, we live knowing where and what kind of place we live in. “Of course, the shooter’s freedom to roam has symbolic meaning.”
She further emphasized that the issue of justice in Hrant’s murder case is not about a specific person receiving a certain sentence, but about challenging the darkness and seeking justice for the democratization of the country. Rakel Dink urged for a unified stand against the decision to release Ogün Samast, stating, “Now let’s stand up and say that this decision will be good and auspicious for our country.”
The release of Ogün Samast has sparked widespread debate and criticism, as it brings back painful memories of Hrant Dink’s tragic assassination in 2007. The Dink family has been vocal in their pursuit of justice for Hrant and the case’s significance in the fight for minority rights and democratic principles in Turkey.
As Rakel Dink continues to advocate for justice and human rights, her words serve as a reminder of the ongoing struggles and challenges faced by minority communities in Turkey.
