The confirmation of the convictions of Osman Kavala and four others is a “politically motivated coup”

2023-09-29 15:14:30
© Kerem Uzel/NARPHOTOS

Given the decision of the highest court of Türkiye to confirm the life imprisonment imposed on Osman Kavala and the sorrows of 18 years in prison imposed on Çiğdem Mater, Can Atalay, Mine Özerden and Tayfun KahramanRuth Tanner, European Campaigns Director at Amnesty International, said:

“This terrible decision is a devastating, politically motivated blow to human rights. “While it could effectively signal the end of the appeal process for Osman Kavala, it is the beginning of a new phase of our campaign to demand his freedom and that of Çiğdem Mater, Can Atalay, Mine Özerden and Tayfun Kahraman.”

“The appeal court’s decision defies all logic given that the prosecution has not presented any evidence to substantiate the unfounded charges against them.”

Ruth Tanner, Amnesty International

“The appeal court’s decision defies all logic as, time and time again, the prosecution has failed to present any evidence to substantiate the unfounded charges leveled against them. “It shows that the Gezi trial has only been an attempt to silence independent voices.”

“With this judicial decision, this Turkish court has openly undermined the protection system of the European Court of Human Rights and flagrantly violated the rulings of the Strasbourg Court in favor of the freedom of Osman Kavala.”

“Osman Kavala, who turns 66 next week, has been arbitrarily imprisoned for more than 5 years for his activism. “We cannot, and will not, allow ourselves to be silenced in our call for the immediate release of Osman Kavala and the prisoners of conscience in Gezi Park.”

Additional information

Amnesty expresses its satisfaction with the revocation of the convictions of three other defendants: Mücella Yapıcı, Hakan Altınay and Yiğit Ali Ekmekçi. The indictment in your case will be returned to the trial court to consider the possibility of a new trial.

He Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe has repeatedly requested the release of Osman Kavala in accordance with the ruling of the European Court of Human Rights. Turkey has ignored this legally binding ruling and refused to release him, so the case has been returned to the European Court for infringement proceedings.