Verdict in Hrant Dink murder case is disappointing. - Hoofdinhoud

On Tuesday a Turkish court sentenced a man to life in prison for the 2007 murder of journalist Hrant Dink but acquitted all 19 suspects of charges of acting under a terrorist organization's orders. The verdict has received criticism from various sources for failing to address the alleged complicity of state officials.

Ria Oomen-Ruijten MEP and European Parliament Rapporteur on Turkey said: "The verdict is disappointing. The Hrant Dink case could have been an example of how properly functioning judicial institutions deal with disruptive forces in society. This verdict makes clear the need for further judicial reform in Turkey."

In her Reports on Turkey, the European Parliament has consistently urged the Turkish authorities to carry out a full investigation into the murder of Hrant Dink, to provide full clarification of allegations of negligence on the part of the competent authorities and to bring all responsible to justice.