Billboard in Boston that denies the Armenian genocide removed

Billboard in Boston that denies the Armenian genocide removed –

Boston.com – A billboard in the North End that was paid for by a group that denies the Armenian genocide was placed there “in error” and is being removed, a spokesman for Clear Channel Outdoors said in an email on Thursday.

The billboard, which is located just a few blocks from the Armenian Heritage Park, had sparked criticism on Wednesday night for its references to genocide-denial.

“Truth = Peace,” the sign says. A hand with the flag of Turkey holds up two fingers in a peace symbol, while hands with the flag of Russia (left) and Armenia (right) have their fingers crossed in the symbol of lying.

The text of the billboard directs readers to FactCheckArmenia.com, a website that dismisses the genocide as “propaganda being pushed by a powerful and well-funded Armenian diaspora.” The billboard says it is “proudly” paid for by the Turkic Platform, Istanbul.

By mid-morning, the billboard had already been taken down.

The billboard is located at the corner of Cross St. and Salem St. in the North End along the Rose Kennedy Greenway. That’s just a few blocks from the grassy labyrinth and abstract sculpture at Armenian Heritage Park, which opened in 2012 to honor Boston’s history of immigrants.

“This billboard denying the Armenian Genocide is no different and just as offensive as one denying the Holocaust,” said Robert O. Trestan, the regional director of the Anti Defamation League.

Last year, a similar billboard, also paid for by the Turkic Platform, was taken down after sparking criticism.