Turkish journalists discuss freedom of speech |
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03 March 2006 ATTENTION: Weekend assignment editors, reporters covering international affairs or media |
Contact:
Kathleen Maclay, Media Relations
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WHAT
"Perspectives on the Armenian Genocide and Freedom of Speech," a panel discussion hosted by the University of California, Berkeley's Institute of Slavic, East European and Eurasian Studies, and the Armenian Studies Program.
Participants include two newspaper publishers in Turkey, where many prosecutions are occurring involving freedom of speech and freedom of the press. The European Union (EU), PEN International and other international groups have condemned these prosecutions. European Parliament leaders have asked Turkey to democratize its penal code, recognize the Armenian Genocide and improve its human rights records in advance of entry to the EU.
WHEN
Noon-3 p.m. Sunday, March 5
WHERE
Dwinelle Hall, Room 145, UC Berkeley
WHO
Ragip Zarakolu, owner of the Belge Publishing House, has been subject to imprisonment, harsh fines, official threats, and the banning, confiscation and destruction of his publications by successive Turkish administrations over the past 30 years
Hrant Dink, editor and publisher of Agos Weekly in Turkey, the only bilingual Turkish-Armenian paper, and an outspoken advocate for Turkey's democratization
Ronald G. Suny, a history professor at the University of Michigan
Stephan H. Astourian, executive director of UC Berkeley's Armenian Studies Program