Istanbul Police Chief Dismissed
Riot Police on sidelines of pro-human rights demonstration, Istanbul, Republic of Turkey © Onnik Krikorian / Oneworld Multimedia 1997
A1 Plus carries news that the Head of the Istanbul Police has been dismissed from his position. Too little too late, some might say, but it’s worth remembering that these things should happen in such cases. Indeed, it is as much about how the authorities react after Dink’s murder that will determine whether there is the political will to truly democratize and address significant problems within Turkish society.
Theoretically, this should serve as an example and a warning to avoid similar incidents and tragedies in the future. Famous last words.
Ahmed Ilhan Gyuler, head of the Istanbul police department, was dismissed from work. He is accused of not preventing Hrant Dink’s assassination and not informing the officials about the warning.
To note, in 2006 the Istanbul police forces were warned about the upcoming attack on Dink’s life.
Of course, the real test is with regards to Article 301, but rather than amend it, I think it’s clear it has to be repealed. Cynics argue that another law or article will simple repace it, but something has to happen even if it means removing the gag on thousands of potential disidents on a whole range of issues raising from the Kurdish and Armenian Questions to the role of the National Security Council (MGK) in the governance of the country.
Incidently, just found the home page of the Turkish Police Academy here. Not directly related to this news, but interesting nonetheless. The English version is available here.
I was wondering why 301 hasnt been dropped yet. It is my understanding that it is a law that is well supported by the Kamalist aspect of the Turkish government. Wouldn’t the Islamic portion of the government want 301 repealed in order to have Turkey be better suited to join the EU? Upon joining, the islamists would have complete leverage against the strong military presence currently in charge in the country, under the name National Security Council. What do you think?
Comment by Michael — February 6, 2007 @ 10:57 pm
Dink’s assassination: Chief of Istanbul police intelligence removed from his post
06.02.2007 14:31 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Chief of Istanbul police intelligence Ahmed Ilhan Guler is removed from his post for not preventing the assassination of Armenian-Turkish ‘Agos’ weekly Editor-in-Chief Hrant Dink. 11 months prior to the murder police got a tip from Trabzon on the possible crime, but the head of intelligence ignored it and did not pass the information to his command, “Sabah” newspaper reports. Meanwhile, RFE RL reports that Guler was removed by demands of investigators. An unknown Turkish official said that investigators continue to examine the fact if representatives of police did not perform their duties on protecting Dink.
Comment by Onnik — February 6, 2007 @ 11:15 pm