The Assyrian Democratic Organization
Stockholm – AINA — Hundreds of people stood in extremely cold weather to participate in a calm and dignified ceremony in memory of Dr. Fuat Deniz, who was murdered one week ago by an unknown assailant (AINA 12-13-2007). Dr. Fuat’s Assyrian background and his brilliant work as a researcher and senior lecturer in the field of sociology earned him respect and admiration in Swedish intellectual circles.
Coming from a home with no books and two illiterate parents, he became a master of sociological analysis and author of several books. His acclaimed work on the adaptation of Assyrians to Swedish society and the transformation of their identity in their new country earned him a high place among Swedish intellectuals. His book A Minority’s Odyssey: The Assyrian Example is used in Swedish universities.
During the ceremony politicians from the Swedish parliament delivered speeches deeming the murder of Dr. Fuat Deniz as an assault on the open society and the democratic values of Sweden. Dr. Fuat’s wife, Runa, read a passage about tolerance in societies from a yet unpublished text written by her husband. Similar ceremonies were held simultaneously in seven other cities in Sweden.
Swedish police still have no suspect for the murder. The highly specialized National Criminal Investigation Department has said it will initiate its own investigation.
