Trial Of Turkish Writer Pamuk Suspended
December 16, 2005
Pamuk leaving the courthouse on 16 December in Istanbul (epa)
Agencies report the trial, which began today, was suspended over whether the law was appropriately applied in the case.
The French news agency AFP reports the trial is suspended until 7 February.
The case has drawn international attention, with the Human Rights Watch group calling on the Turkish judiciary to promptly acquit Pamuk, and the European Union warning that the case marks a test of Turkey's commitment to freedom of expression.
Pamuk told a Swiss magazine in February that 1 million Armenians had been killed in World War I massacres and 30,000 Kurds had also died in a separatist conflict in Turkey in recent decades.
Pamuk, author of books including "Snow" and "My Name Is Red," could face up to three years in prison if convicted.
Turkey in October opened talks to join the European Union, but the EU has warned that talks could be suspended over Turkish violations of human rights.
(AP/AFP)