Nedim Sener, an author and investigative reporter at the Turkish daily national newspaper Milliyet, came to prominence following the publication of his book on the murder of Dink, the Turkish-Armenian who was editor-in-chief of Agos. Sener`s book uncovered the involvement of Turkish security agencies in Dink`s killing outside of the Armenian weekly newspaper`s office in January 2007. His book led to the filing of charges by several senior police and security service officials.

Following the publication of The Dink Murder and Intelligence Lies in February 2009, the then-chief of police in Trabzon, a police officer of the Intelligence Office Presidency, the Trabzon Police Intelligence branch manager and the deputy chief of the Istanbul Police, all filed criminal complaints against Sener.

Through his book and regular writings for Milliyet, Sener revealed the truth behind the preparation, implementation, investigation and prosecution of Dink`s murder, drawing attention to the roles played by official staff. Sener`s investigative reporting showed that the murder had been professionally planned well in advance, as well as blowing the cover of the officials at National Intelligence Organization who threatened Dink in 2004.

"Sener`s determination to continue with his investigative reporting, particularly in relation to the Dink murder case, despite the threats he has faced, both inside and outside of the courtroom, is to be commended. We are proud to announce him as our 56th World Press Freedom Hero," said Alison Bethel McKenzie, deputy director of the International Press Institute.

In a TV interview with CNN Turk last week, Sener admitted he was "really scared" to receive an award which has already been awarded to two dead Turkish journalists. He further reiterated the concern to IPI. "I am afraid. You cannot feel safe in Turkey; the condition of communications and media freedom is very bad. You can be killed if you write about the Dink murder. It is very dangerous."

"I chose to write about Hrant Dink`s murder because firstly he was a human and he had the human right to life. He was a very good journalist in Turkey. He wanted to protect minorities` rights and that is very important. But also, I wrote it because Dink was my friend," Sener said.

Sener is the third Turkish journalist to be selected as an IPI World Press Freedom Hero. In 2000, Abdi Ipekci was selected for his role in helping better relations between Greek and Turkish journalists. Dink was selected by the IPI Executive Board and honored posthumously as an IPI World Press Freedom Hero in 2007 following his assassination.

Sener is a journalist who has been following the Hrant Dink case closely since the murder of Dink, in January 2007. His book, Red Friday - Who Broke Dink`s Pen?, will be on shelves in Turkey by the weekend.