The Istanbul High Criminal Court continues the case of the murder of Turkish-Armenian journalist and public figure, Hrant Dink. As reported by the Armenian bilingual newspaper “Agos” published in Turkey, a row of free witnesses, witnesses in detention and the advocates of the parties have taken part in the hearing.
One of the free witnesses, Haji Omer Unalir, who worked at Trabzon State Gendarmerie Intelligence Division before Dink’s murder, has told during his testimony that they have received an in advance information about the murder. “We had gone to the Division with Hussein Yilmaz in August, 2006. Oqan Shimshek called Yilmaz to his office to give information. After 5-10 minutes I was called to take notes. I took a paper and entered the room. Yasin Hayal was saying that they were going to murder journalist Hrant Dink of Armenian descent together with his 3-4 friends in Istanbul and they look for a weapon. I recorded that information. Afterwards we checked the information about Dink an “Agos” newspaper. We saw that the information is true. The next day the issue was discussed during the session of the intelligence department. Later on Hussein Yilmaz took a vacation. I went to Oqan Shimshek and told that we had not received any order on this issue. Shimshek said that he had spoken to the head of Department, Metin Yildiz, an order was yet to be given. And then I have not received any information until the murder”, Unalir has told.
The witness has added that regardless of the received information, he has not had the right of starting any actions and undertaking means by himself without the respective order. And the officials of higher positions than him, who should have given such order, have not given it.
Unalir has also mentioned that after he has started working at Trabzon State Gendarmerie Intelligence Division, he has also worked in the archives of the same division.
According to the witness, there has been no information about Yasin Hayal or his group of friends. No notification on Yasin Hayal has been sent by the Police as well.
Source: Ermenihaber.am