Deaths on January 25

Samuel Weems

Died on January 25, 2003

Samuel Weems, American lawyer and author (b. 1936)

Samuel A. Weems (December 12, 1936 – January 25, 2003) was a figure primarily known for his vehement advocacy of Armenian genocide denial. He authored the controversial book Armenia: The Secrets of a "Christian" Terrorist State and was a disbarred lawyer originally from Hazen, Arkansas.

Controversial Legal Career and Failed Political Aspirations

Weems's professional career was marred by significant legal improprieties. He was disbarred from practicing law while serving as a prosecuting attorney, a serious ethical violation that occurred due to his illicit act of mixing clients' funds with his personal finances. This practice, often a precursor to embezzlement, represents a profound breach of trust inherent in the legal profession.

Despite the disbarment decision, which stripped him of his legal license, he was not immediately removed from his public office. A year after his disbarment, Weems was convicted on charges of arson and conspiring to defraud an insurance firm, further compounding his legal troubles. This unusual sequence of events highlights a remarkable, albeit ethically questionable, period in his public service.

Following these professional setbacks, Weems attempted to forge a political path in his small hometown. He unsuccessfully ran for the position of mayor of Hazen, Arkansas, in both 1994 and 1998, failing to secure electoral support for public office.

Publications, Public Statements, and Denialist Advocacy

Weems gained notoriety for his outspoken and inflammatory rhetoric concerning Armenians and the historical event of the Armenian Genocide. He made several highly controversial statements, including the assertion that "the Armenians have never been known as truth tellers," and the baseless claim that "the number one export of Armenia is terrorism." These remarks are widely regarded as discriminatory and reflective of deep-seated anti-Armenian prejudice, aligning with the broader narrative of genocide denial.

His book, Armenia: The Secrets of a "Christian" Terrorist State, became a focal point of contention. The Armenian Assembly of America, a prominent Armenian-American advocacy organization, strongly condemned the book, labeling it "outrageous and racist anti-Armenian propaganda." This condemnation underscores the book's perceived role in historical revisionism and the promotion of hatred. The publication of this book in Azerbaijani and Turkish further amplified its reach within regions where the Armenian Genocide is often denied or disputed.

International Engagement in Genocide Denial

In March 2002, Weems significantly escalated his denialist activities by visiting Turkey. His visit strategically coincided with the 81st anniversary of the assassination of Talaat Pasha, a principal architect of the Armenian Genocide and a former Ottoman Grand Vizier. During his time in Turkey, Weems was granted prominent platforms, including interviews with various news agencies and lectures at prestigious academic institutions such as the universities in Istanbul and Ankara.

In these appearances, he consistently spoke on the so-called "Armenian issue," actively promoting the narrative that there was a "smear campaign" against Turkey in Europe and the United States. His visit also facilitated arrangements for the printing of his book in Turkish, further disseminating his denialist views within Turkey.

Weems also featured in Sari Gelin, a documentary specifically created to deny the Armenian Genocide. This film's production was notably sponsored by the Ankara Chamber of Commerce, highlighting a level of institutional support for genocide denial narratives.

Unfinished Work and Legacy

Before his death, Weems was reportedly near completion of a second book. This proposed work focused on the "Armenische Legion" (Armenian Legion) and controversially alleged an Armenian anti-Jewish conspiracy. This suggests a deepening and broadening of his conspiratorial and ethnically charged narratives.

His passing was noted by the Assembly of Turkish American Associations (ATAA), a leading Turkish-American advocacy group, in their newspaper The Turkish Times. Their obituary lauded Weems, stating that he "loved Turkey, was a great admirer of Ataturk and was devoted to Turkish causes, and despite many threats to his life, he worked relentlessly to let the people know the truth about the Armenian issue." This statement reflects how his efforts were perceived and valued by organizations actively involved in promoting the Turkish state's narrative on the Armenian Genocide.

Samuel A. Weems died of a heart attack on January 25, 2003, and was survived by his Turkish wife, Gülnur, and a son. Despite his varied career, his enduring legacy remains overwhelmingly defined by his significant and controversial contributions to the denial of the Armenian Genocide.

Frequently Asked Questions About Samuel A. Weems

Who was Samuel A. Weems?: Samuel A. Weems was an American individual known primarily as a prominent Armenian genocide denialist, the author of Armenia: The Secrets of a "Christian" Terrorist State, and a disbarred lawyer from Hazen, Arkansas.
Why was Samuel A. Weems disbarred as a lawyer?: He was disbarred from practicing law for mixing his clients' money with his own while holding the office of prosecuting attorney, a serious ethical and legal transgression. He was later convicted of arson and conspiring to defraud an insurance company.
What was the significance of his book Armenia: The Secrets of a "Christian" Terrorist State?: The book is a key piece of Armenian genocide denialist literature. It was widely condemned by Armenian-American organizations, such as the Armenian Assembly of America, for being "outrageous and racist anti-Armenian propaganda." Its publication in Azerbaijani and Turkish further disseminated its controversial claims.
Did Samuel A. Weems engage in international advocacy for his views?: Yes, in March 2002, he visited Turkey, where he delivered speeches at universities and was interviewed by news agencies, promoting the denialist narrative of the Armenian Genocide and alleging a smear campaign against Turkey.
What was Samuel A. Weems's connection to the Turkish government or pro-Turkish organizations?: He appeared in the denialist documentary Sari Gelin, which was sponsored by the Ankara Chamber of Commerce. Furthermore, his obituary in The Turkish Times, a publication of the Assembly of Turkish American Associations, highlighted his strong admiration for Turkey and Atatürk, and his dedication to "Turkish causes."

References

Samuel Weems

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