HRANT DINK MURDER TRIAL

Ogün Samast received a prison sentence of 22 years and ten months handed down by the Istanbul 2^nd Juvenile Criminal Court for the murder of Turkish-Armenian journalist Hrant Dink. Dink was the founder and then editor-in-chief of the Armenian Agos newspaper. He was killed in front of his office in Istanbul on 19 January 2007.

The prosecution had demanded prison terms of between 18 years and eight months and 26 years under allegations of premeditated murder and unlicensed possession of weapons. The Istanbul court decided for imprisonment of 21.5 years on charges of premeditated murder and an additional 16 months on charges of unlicensed possession of weapons.

The defence lawyers seemed to be satisfied with the sentence remaining below the upper limit.

The final hearing of the trial was decided on Monday (25 July). Defendant Samast put forward that he had been dragged towards crime as a result of poor education. He claimed that Yasin Hayal, accused of instigation to the Dink murder, exploited this situation and directed him accordingly. In his speech of defence, Samast also said that he had been influenced by some newspaper articles. He pointed to certain theories conveyed by the media at the time and stated that these writings made up 54 percent of the responsibility for the criminal act he committed.

His speech of defence comprised a total of 44 pages. Samast's personal defence went over 29 pages; the remaining part included the defence speeches prepared by his two lawyers. Samast referred to German philosopher G.F.W. Hegel several times.

The lawyers summarized the procedures and requested the rejection of the indictment and their client's acquittal.

The defence lawyers have the right to appeal within seven days. Meanwhile, the trial against Ogün Samast under allegations of "membership to an illegal organization" is still pending.

At the end of the hearing, Samast reacted to the court decision with a mixture of puzzlement and tension on his face. Defence lawyer Sebu Aslangil commented, "It suddenly dawned on him that he was convicted". (IC/ŞA/VK)