Hrant Dink Protest: Concluding Speech
On January 20, we all woke up to learn of the murder of a Martyr of Truth. A man with commitment and vision; a man with passion and empathy.
Hrant Dink was an inspiration to us all.
Today, we gather here in anger.
Anger; that the Turkish government has created a cloud of racial hate against Armenians in its country; a hate that stems from a simple cry for justice from a minority Christian nation.
Armenians want their 1.5million slaughtered forefathers of 1915 to rest in their graves with the knowledge that the Genocide committed against them is recognised by the Turkish government. This humanitarian need by Armenians such as Hrant Dink is considered an anti-Turkish crime in a country aiming to prove to Europe its passion for democracy.
Today, we also gather here in sadness.
We are here to celebrate the life of Hrant Dink and to mourn his death. We are here to show our love for this man, and through him, exhibit our commitment to each other as Australians of Armenian origin, and to the Armenian Cause.
Thank you Hrant Dink for giving us so much. Thank you for your passion and your drive. Thank you for your insight, but most of all, just thank you. You will not be forgotten. Your legacy is the inspiration you have left behind for youth of Armenian origin.
Your battle will not be abandoned until JUSTICE is achieved. JUSTICE will be achieved.
On behalf of the Protest Organising Committee, we would like to thank you for attending this rally and mourning the life of a Martyr of Truth, an advocate for Human Rights and Democracy; Hrant Dink.
In a legendary existence cut tragically short by a heinous murder encouraged by a racist Turkish regime, Dink fought for the recognition of the Armenian Genocide from the frontline – the home of the crime’s perpetrators and deniers; Turkey.
The well-respected journalist wanted to chaperone Turkey towards Democracy by peacefully educating the government and its people of the importance of admitting to human rights violations committed by their predecessors.
As a reward for attempting to better a nation, he was undemocratically charged for his attempts, and murdered after being labeled an anti-Turk by the book of Turkish law.
Hrant Dink leaves behind a legacy of inspiration; an inspiration that stretches to our shores in Sydney, Australia. An inspiration that will ensure the Diaspora’s youth continues his fight for the recognition of the Armenian Genocide, and with it, justice for human rights and democracy.
Hrant Dink: Rest In Peace.
