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Ankara, October 5, 2006 -- A Turkish writer goes
on trial today facing charges of "denigrating
Turkish national identity" under a controversial
article of Turkey's Penal Code.
Ipek Calislar is accused of insulting the republic's
founder, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, in her biography of
Ataturk's wife Latife Hanim.
Last month, an Istanbul court dismissed a similar
case against novelist Elif Shafak for comments made
by her fictional characters.
On October 3, European Enlargement Commissioner Olli
Rehn criticized those opposed to repealing Article
301, saying they are effectively blocking Turkey's
bid for EU membership.
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has
pledged to consider amending the article.
Reuters
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