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Dispute over Osman Kavala: Erdoğan threatens to expel Western ambassadors

2021-10-21T12:22:37.536Z


Ten ambassadors had called for the release of human rights activist Osman Kavala. The Turkish president reacted angrily and threatened further consequences.


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The Turkish head of state Recep Tayyip Erdoğan

Photo: AFOLABI SOTUNDE / REUTERS

Turkish human rights activist and patron of culture Osman Kavala has been imprisoned in Turkey for four years without having been convicted. His case continues to create diplomatic tension. According to media reports, the Turkish head of state Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has threatened to expel the German and US ambassadors and eight other ambassadors from Western countries. Erdoğan was quoted as saying by several Turkish media that he had told the Turkish foreign minister "that we cannot afford the luxury of hosting them (the ambassadors) in our country."

Previously, ten ambassadors had called for a "fair and speedy settlement" of the case.

"The ongoing delays in Kavala's trial, including the amalgamation of various cases and the creation of new allegations following an acquittal, cast a shadow over respect for democracy, the rule of law and transparency in the Turkish judicial system," the embassies' statement said.

Kavala is said to have financed Gezi protests

As a result, Turkey summoned the ambassadors the next day.

The appointed ambassadors include diplomats from Germany, the United States and France as well as foreign representatives from Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Finland and New Zealand, as the state agency Anadolu reported.

Ankara called the countries' call to release the patron of culture, Kavala, "unacceptable".

Kavala was originally arrested on charges of funding and organizing the anti-government Gezi protests in Istanbul in 2013.

In February last year, a court acquitted him of the charge.

He was released from prison after two and a half years in prison, but arrested again a few hours later - this time in connection with the attempted coup against Erdoğan in 2016 and allegations of espionage.

more on the subject

  • Dispute over imprisoned entrepreneurs: Turkey summons German ambassadors

  • Activists Steudtner and Eser on Turkey: »In the end, every system of injustice breaks down« An interview by Maximilian Popp and Anna-Sophie Schneider

  • Osman Kavala case: "The Turkish government commits a horrific judicial crime every day" An interview by Maximilian Popp

In January this year, an appeals court overturned the first acquittal.

If convicted of espionage charges, Kavala faces life imprisonment.

Kavala's next trial is scheduled for November 26th.

The European Court of Human Rights demands his release.

The Council of Europe has also announced that it will initiate proceedings against Turkey if Kavala is not released.

lau / AFP / Reuters

Source: spiegel

All news articles on 2021-10-21

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