Famous American linguist and political activist Noam Chomsky strongly criticized Turkey for lack of democracy and violation of human rights delivering a speech at Bilgi University of Istanbul.

According to Turkish press, Chomsky called on the participants not to surrender and struggle for freedom.  The major part of discussions was dedicated to Agos newspaper chief editor Hrant Dink assassinated in 2007. “I was there and saw his corpse near Agos office,” Turkish journalist Kandar said. Journalists from Ukraine, Georgia, Azerbaijan and Russia spoke of freedom of speech in their countries.

Participants also intend to visit two Turkish journalists Ahmet Sik and Ertugrul Mavioglu jailed for writing a book on Ergenekon case.