Rakel Dink, widow of murdered journalist Hrant Dink, has written a letter to the Prime Minister and the judges. In the letter, she described her family background. Her family is originally from Mardin [south-east of Turkey], but had to leave the area with many other Armenians because local landlords and villagers took over their land.

Armenians as second-class citizens

She wrote: "Up to now, we have been treated with contempt or insulted for being Armenian, or we have heard the term 'Armenian' as a term of abuse. We heard, and hear, this in the newspapers, on TV, from registry officers, from the most official people.

Sometimes people have acted as if we are not citizens of this country, as if we migrated here from somewhere else. With this kind of mind frame, this darkness continues and babies are turned into murderers."

Hope for more light in Turkey

She went on to say, "This darkness is not made up of unknown elements. This darkness is made up of people who you can find in governor's offices, in the gendarmerie, in the armed forces, in the secret service, in the police, in government, in the opposition, in parties who are not represented in parliament, even in the pres and in NGOs."

"If you are not part of this darkness, and if you do not approve of this darkness, then be brave enough to deal with these people, and to break down the barriers in these files. With your help and with God's justice may the result of this case make Turkey smile at least a little bit and become a starting point for more light."

Apology and justice demanded

Rakel Dink also demanded an apology from authorities for being unable and unwilling to protect her husband. Although she demanded adequate punishment for the accused, she also wrote that she saw them as "pitiful" and felt sorry for them.

Hayal's letter

Meanwhile it emerged that suspect Yasin Hayal had written a letter to the prosecution on 9 May.

Hayal, accused of incitement to murder, claimed that he had been promised release if he talked, but now "you have prepared such an indictment against us, you have prepared an indictment for execution. I confessed sincerely, I gave you important information, is that what I deserve in response?"

"Police force commanded us"

He went on to say, "I do not really understand this 'deep state' concept. But it is certain that a group in the police force, legally or illegally, commanded us. That is obvious. Although you saw this, you did not protect our rights.

Now I ask, if we were used in state duty, does the state not have to protect us? You told me during the questioning in prison that if I confessed sincerely, you would get me out." (RD/EÜ/AG)