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Reps. Pallone And Royce Call On Turkey To Abolish Article 301

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  • Reps. Pallone And Royce Call On Turkey To Abolish Article 301

    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."
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