Joint statement from Federal Government Commissioner for Human Rights Policy and Humanitarian Assistance at the Federal Foreign Office B. Kofler and French Ambassador for Human Rights D. Borione on the continuation of the trial against Osman Kavala and his codefendants on 8 October in Turkey (08.10.2021)

Share

"Almost two years ago, the European Court of Human Rights ruled in favor of Osman Kavala and called for his immediate release. Despite this decision, Osman Kavala will be summoned to a new audience on 8 October before the Istanbul Court. Yet 18 October 2021 will mark for Mr. Kavala his fourth year in pre-trial detention with little prospect for a swift judgement.

His case is one of the most prominent examples of intimidation of human rights defenders and civil society activists, violating the values enshrined in the European Convention on Human Rights.

We reiterate our urgent call on Turkey to fully comply with its international obligations and to implement without further delay the decision of the European Court of Human rights which calls for the immediate release of Osman Kavala.”