Defendant Veysel Şahin, a Turkish gendarmerie intelligence officer, confessed to fabricating intelligence reports under the orders of his superior, during the ongoing trial of the Hrant Dink murder case on Wednesday.
Şahin disclosed to the court that they had received intelligence regarding the assassination of Hrant Dink six months before the crime occurred but were instructed to document it as if received the day after the murder.
The trial, which resumed for its third session, saw the attendance of several key defendants, including Şahin and fellow intelligence officers. Representatives from the Dink family’s legal team were also present.
During the proceedings, Şahin detailed how the intelligence was relayed to their superiors and subsequently manipulated to fit a narrative. He expressed regret over his involvement but emphasised compliance with orders.
Another defendant, Okan Şimşek, corroborated Şahin’s account, shedding light on the dismissive attitude of their superiors towards the intelligence. He questioned the motives behind suppressing crucial information and highlighted inconsistencies in the investigation.
As the defendants sought alterations to their detention status and participation in the trial, the court decided to adjourn proceedings until 31 May.
The Hrant Dink case, marred by judicial setbacks and prolonged proceedings, continues to unravel layers of institutional failures and complicity in the 2007 murder of the renowned Armenian journalist.
