Yasin Hayal - Murder of Hrant Dink

Murder of Hrant Dink

Hayal is connected to the murder of journalist Hrant Dink on January 19, 2007, by giving the murderer, Ogün Samast, the idea and supplying him with a weapon and money. Hrant Dink, the editor-in-chief of the bilingual Turkish-Armenian newspaper Agos, was killed on January 19, 2007 in front of the Agos office in Istanbul by gun shots, fired from behind in broad daylight.

The instigator of the murder, Erhan Tuncel, allegedly informed police officer Muhittin Zenit of the attack in advance. Zenit was unable to have Hayal apprehended due to orders from the Trabzon police department.

Initially Hayal claimed innocence, citing absence; however, telephone records proved that he was in Istanbul on the day of the assassination. His attorney was Fuat Turgut, who is currently suspected of membership in a militant organization called Ergenekon. The Great Union Party financed his court expenses; however, its leader, Muhsin Yazıcıoğlu adamantly denied any connection between his party and Ergenekon.

During his last trial Hayal harassed Dink's wife, Rakel.

In August 2008, his brother, Osman Hayal, was taken into custody for incitement. In October, Osman was indicted by prosecutors Selim Berna Altay and Fikret Seçen for abetment, on the grounds that he was allegedly in Istanbul when the crime took place. The charge carries a penalty of 22.5–35 years.