Statement by the Hon. Irwin Cotler, MP (Mount Royal), Opposition Critic for Human Rights

January 22, 2007
I would like to express my shock and deep sadness at the tragic assassination of journalist Hrant Dink. This action was an assault on democracy and freedom of expression - the ultimate silencer.

As editor of the bilingual Turkish-Armenian Agos newspaper, Mr. Dink was one of Turkey's most prominent Armenian voices and someone who sought dialogue and reconciliation between Turks and Armenians while remaining faithful to his journalistic credentials.

I hope the perpetrators will be brought to justice and that any incitement against those who speak of the genocide of Armenians will come to an end.

Note: Above are excerpts from the article. The full article appears here. Clarifications and comments by me are contained in {}. Deletions are marked by [...]. The bold emphasis is mine.