Does thi man look like a criminal to you?
Because, according to the Turkish authorities he is. This man is Mr. Orhan Pamuk - Turkish award winning novelist. Almost an year ago he said for a Swiss magazine that the killing of 1 million Armenians in the Ottoman empire in 1915 and 30 000 Kurds since the 80’s is a topic no one dares talk about in Turkey. According to Turkish law (changed after he made the statement) he could be jailed for 6 months to 3 years for “denigrating Turkishness”. Luckily (I believe so), if Turkey decides to go forward with the prosecution it may kiss its Euro-application goodbye.
All my friends know that when it comes to Turkey, I am quite in favour of them joining. But, also living next to the country and especially the fact that I have been there, I can say that I know how much behind this country is. Even compared to (economically!) underdeveloped countries like my own - Bulgaria.
So, hopefully, the Turkish Minister of Justice (who has to decide now if the trial could go forward) has something in his head and stops this absurd trial!
Many people also know that I am a big nationalist and would not myself accept anyone saying things against my country but: 1) the things Mr. Pamuk spoke about are true. 2) I also believe in what Volter said: “I may not like what you say, but I will die to protect your right to say it”. Maybe Turkey still needs its Enlightenment.
Няма да пиша дълго, защото знам, че днес всички бихте предпочели да сте със семействата си на трапезата вместо да четете дълги писания (както бих предпочел и аз самият!).