Armenian Youth Federation Remembers The Assassination Of Hrant Dink

Marks one year since brutal murder of journalist

Los Angeles- The Armenian Youth Federation of the Western United States joins the international community in remembering the murder of Hrant Dink and condemning the continual oppression of Armenians in the Republic of Turkey. The racially motivated murder of Hrant Dink, the Istanbul-based Armenian journalist shot in front of the offices of his newspaper Agos, brought to a head the growing anti-Armenian sentiment within Turkey stemming from discussion of the Armenian Genocide.

“The murder of Hrant Dink was an explicit example of the Turkish society’s refusal to come to terms with its Genocidal history. The government’s use of laws such as Article 301 to prosecute anyone talking about the Armenian Genocide creates an atmosphere of hatred and intolerance; leading to acts of brutal violence such as the assassination of Dink,” said AYF Central Executive Chairperson Caspar Jivalagian.

Dink, who criticized the treatment of minorities within Turkey, as well as the government’s denial of the Armenian Genocide, was gunned down by a 17 year old ultranationalist youth one year ago, shocking the entire world. The investigation into the planning and execution of the murder continues to this very date.

“The Armenian Genocide, begun over 90 years ago, continues today as Armenians continue to live in fear with our history denied,” Jivalagian concluded.

Founded in 1933, the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) has grown to become the largest and most influential Armenian American youth organization; with chapters throughout the United States and affiliated organizations around the world. Inspired by our past and motivated by the needs of the future, the AYF actively strives to advance the social, political, educational and cultural awareness of all Armenian youth.