Hrant Dink was the editor-in-chief of Agos, a Turkish-Armenian newspaper that aimed to foster dialogue between the Turkish and Armenian communities. He was an outspoken critic of Turkey’s denial of the Armenian Genocide and was often targeted for his views, which many considered controversial in a nation where nationalism ran high. On January 19, 2007, he was shot outside his office in Istanbul by Ogün Samast, a teenager who was later identified as a Turkish ultra-nationalist. Dink was shot multiple times, and despite being rushed to the hospital, he succumbed to his wounds soon after.

The assassination triggered a significant outcry both within Turkey and internationally, with thousands of people attending Dink's funeral to pay tribute to his life and work. Many mourners were seen waving placards demanding freedom of speech and expressing solidarity with the Armenian community. The incident brought to the forefront the prevailing issues of nationalism, freedom of expression, and the ongoing tensions between the Turkish and Armenian populations. It also raised questions about the responsibility of the state to protect individuals who express dissenting views.

Following the assassination, Ogün Samast was arrested and later convicted of murder, receiving a reduced sentence due to his age. The event has since been a pivotal moment in the discussion surrounding journalists' safety in Turkey and the broader implications of national identity and history.