Dink's

"It's a major test for us to conclude the trial process so far, and from now on, in a fair and transparent way," Mr. Gul told reporters Thursday, referring to the sensitivity of Mr. Dink's non-Muslim identity.

Turks Stage Biggest Protest in Years Ayla Albayrak 2012

He noted that unsolved assassinations such as Mr. Dink's, which plagued Turkey for decades, have all but ceased since the investigation started.

Turkish Reporters' Arrests Spur Backlash Against 'Deep State' Probe Marc Champion 2011

The court also said there had been no proper investigation of security personnel said to have known that Mr. Dink's life was in danger.

Turks Stage Biggest Protest in Years Ayla Albayrak 2012

Many Turks have come to view Mr. Dink's killing and trial as a metaphor for the ills of the Turkish state, amid growing anger over what many see as the failure to prosecute past political killings, as well as over declining media freedoms and abuse of the judicial system.

Turks Stage Biggest Protest in Years Ayla Albayrak 2012

The last time such a large human-rights demonstration took place in Turkey was on the day of Mr. Dink's funeral, when an estimated 100,000 Turks walked from the murder scene to the cemetery where he was buried.

Turks Stage Biggest Protest in Years Ayla Albayrak 2012

Mr. Dink's family and lawyers, backed by human-rights organizations such as Amnesty International, have alleged the murder was a true case of assassination by a deep state, conducted by a larger criminal network and involving state security forces and possibly some high state officials.

Turks Stage Biggest Protest in Years Ayla Albayrak 2012

On Istanbul's streets, meanwhile, the annual march to commemorate Mr. Dink's death grew to a massive protest.

Turks Stage Biggest Protest in Years Ayla Albayrak 2012

Mr. Dink's family and lawyers have cited cellphone records that appear to show the suspects were in contact with five people at the murder scene and 14 others.

Turks Stage Biggest Protest in Years Ayla Albayrak 2012

Associated Press Placards and a poster left by friends as thousands of protesters marched to mark the fifth anniversary of Hrant Dink's death.

Thousands March in Istanbul 2012

The crowd chanted slogans demanding a fuller investigation of Mr. Dink's 2007 murder.

Turks Stage Biggest Protest in Years Ayla Albayrak 2012