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3/10/07

swissinfo - Sense and Nonsense : Perinçek verdict

For the complete report from the swissinfo click on this link

Sense and Nonsense : Perinçek verdict

"Dishonourable Switzerland" screamed the headline of Gözcü in Turkey, which went on to say that the verdict was another proof of European hypocrisy – Europeans underline the importance of freedom of opinion but were quick to condemn it. For its part, the right-leaning Yeni Cag newspaper wrote that Perinçek's verdict meant "the whole Turkish nation had been punished". Other parts of the media were less severe, but were still widespread in their coverage. Hürriyet quoted Perinçek as saying his trial had started a debate in Switzerland over how to judge historical events, but that he would go to the European Court of Human Rights with his case.

The Swiss Neue Zürcher Zeitung (NZZ), had mixed views. "The trial had not made sense because a Turkish politician from a minor party had been judged on behaviour more relevant in his own country, it said. In addition the trial had given Perinçek a platform and blighted relations with Turkey. "But the judge had also delivered a consistent judgement, despite being criticised for using historians' views rather than medical or technical knowledge, wrote the editorialist." Note EU-Digest: Once again this trial shows how strong and well financed the Armenian lobby is around the world. They have also consistantly denied any "no-strings" attached dialog on this issue with the Turks.

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