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'This is mean and vindictive': Osman Kavala set to remain behind bars in Turkey

Amnesty International's Milena Buyum reports on the latest from the trial of civil society figures in Turkey, including Osman Kavala.

Milena Buyum, 15 October 2019

710 Nights in a Turkish Prison

Turkish laws are not to blame for the current violations of human rights. The trouble lies in the interpretation of those laws by prosecutors and judges, especially by junior officials who rely more on political messages and signals than on legal norms.

Osman Kavala, 11 October 2019

‘It is the Judicial System of Turkey That Has Lost its Independence’

Lawyers of arrested businessperson Osman Kavala made a statement after the court ruled that his arrest shall continue. “It is not Kavala who has lost his freedom and independence, it is the judicial system of Turkey”, the lawyers said.

Bianet, 9 October 2019

Turkish philanthropist Osman Kavala spends 700th day behind bars

Human rights defenders on Monday called the continued detention of Osman Kavala, a philanthropist who promoted reconciliation with Armenians and Kurds in Turkey, a “political decision” that seeks to instill fear among Turkey's civil society.

Ayla Jean Yackley, 30 September 2019

Campaign for Osman Kavala’s Birthday: #DearOsmanKavala

Ahead of his birthday on October 2, a social media campaign has been launched for arrested businessperson Osman Kavala under the hashtag #DearOsmanKavala. It has also reminded that the third hearing of Gezi trial will be held on October 8-9.

Bianet, 26 September 2019

‘Freedom to Osman Kavala’ Protest in Opening Reception of İstanbul Biennial

Attended by several artists and businesspeople, the opening reception of the 16th İstanbul Biennial has witnessed a ‘Freedom to Kavala’ protest by artists wearing shirts and bags with Kavala’s photograph on them.

Bianet, 11 September 2019

So much space in this courtroom, yet so little room for justice

I am in the gargantuan courthouse that squats behind the walls of the Siliviri high-security prison, the largest jail in Europe. I’m here to observe the start of the second hearing of 16 Turkish civil society figures, including the prominent figure, Osman Kavala.

Milena Buyum, 22 July 2019

Angeklagt im Theater der Justiz

Einer der Anwälte vergleicht die Saalgröße - 1000 Quadratmeter - mit der Zelle von zehn Quadratmetern, in der sein Mandant Osman Kavala schon seit fast 630 Tagen festgehalten wird, "ohne gesetzliche Grundlage und im Widerspruch zum Verständnis eines modernen Staates".

Christiane Schlötzer, 20 July 2019

Turkish government trying to blame Gezi Park protest on ‘foreign actors’, says imprisoned civil society leader

During his 21-month detention, Kavala has largely stayed quiet, preferring to “let civil society speak for me”. But prior to his second hearing this week, I was able to send him some questions to answer.

Şirin Payzın, 19 July 2019

Turkish court remands businessman Kavala in jail

A Turkish court on Thursday ruled to remand in jail prominent businessman and rights activist Osman Kavala.

Reuters, 18 July 2019

Human Rights Commissioner Bärbel Kofler on the trial against Osman Kavala

Federal Government Commissioner for Human Rights Policy and Humanitarian Assistance at the Federal Foreign Office Bärbel Kofler issued a statement today (18 July) on the trial against Osman Kavala.

Federal Foreign Office of Germany, 18 July 2019

Outrageous decision to keep Osman Kavala in jail must be overturned

Following a decision by a judge to keep civil society leader Osman Kavala in pre-trial detention on trumped up charges of ‘attempting to overthrow the government’, Amnesty International’s Andrew Gardner made a statement.

Amnesty International, 18 July 2019

Turkish democracy will struggle to survive one-man rule

Trial of civil society activists looks like revenge by president on those he thinks exposed his vulnerability

David Gardner, 26 June 2019

In court with Osman Kavala: Turkey’s credibility on trial

In a trial that mirrors many aspects of the deep-seated crisis in rule of law and human rights in the country, Kavala and the 15 other defendants are up against a state apparently determined to usurp the judicial system for the political end of silencing its critics.
 
Hugh Williamson, 26 June 2019

Turkish court remands businessman Kavala in jail: lawyer

“It is joyful that Aksakoglu is going to be united with his family, while Kavala’s detention will continue is saddening. We hope that the court will compensate it during next hearing,” Koyuncu told Reuters.

Reuters, 25 June 2019

  

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