Publisher Faces Prison for Book on Armenians

Accused of 'insulting Turkishness' with book urging reconciliation

By Jason Farago, Newser Staff

Posted Dec 5, 2007 11:03 AM CST

(Newser) – A Turkish publisher goes on trial today in Istanbul for violating that country's controversial law against "insulting Turkishness." Ragip Zarakolu is accused of contravening the notorious Article 301 by publishing a book by a London-based author promoting reconciliation between Turks and Armenians. The trial of a relatively moderate publisher is further damaging Turkey's hopes of being invited to join the EU.

Reform-minded lawmakers have been promising for months to scrap or to weaken the article, and yesterday Turkey's justice minister reiterated the importance of protecting free speech. Yet observers say little progress has been made. In 2005 Orhan Pamuk, who later won a Nobel Prize, narrowly escaped a prison sentence for the same offense.

A parade in Istanbul, where a publisher goes on trial today for "insulting Turkishness." (Associated Press)

Orhan Pamuk, who faced imprisonment for "insulting Turkishness," in a file photo. (Associated Press)

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Publisher Faces Prison for Book on Armenians

Accused of 'insulting Turkishness' with book urging reconciliation

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Publisher Faces Prison for Book on Armenians

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Turkey • free speech • Istanbul • Orhan Pamuk • Article 301 • Ragip Zarakolu

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Turkey Eases Controversial 'Insult' Statute

But advocates say changes to free speech law mainly cosmetic

16 Arrested in Plot to Kill Turkish Laureate

Journalist, party leader involved in plan to murder writer Pamuk

Prof Guilty of Insulting Turkish Founder

Suspended sentence may mean trouble for country's bid to join EU

Bomb-Carrying Woman Killed in Istanbul Blast

Police probe possible suicide bombing

Threats Cancel Turkey Concert With Israeli Singer

It was to feature Muslim, Jewish, and Christian artists

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