U.S. calls on Turkey to immediately release jailed philanthropist Osman Kavala (updated)
10/02/2021 23:53
(Adds details from statement, background on Kavala's charges)
Feb 10 (Reuters) - The United States on Wednesday called on
Turkey to immediately release philanthropist and human rights
activist Osman Kavala, who has been detained for more than three
years without conviction.
"The specious charges against Kavala, his ongoing detention,
and the continuing delays in the conclusion of his trial,
including through the merger of cases against him, undermine
respect for the rule of law and democracy," the U.S. State
Department said.
Kavala was acquitted a year ago of charges related to 2013
anti-government protests, but was immediately rearrested on
charges relating to a failed 2016 coup. An appeals court
subsequently overturned his acquittal on the protest charges.
A Turkish court ruled on Friday to combine the two
outstanding cases and rejected Kavala's request to be released.
urn:newsml:reuters.com:*:nL8N2KB4VD
Kavala was accused by Turkey of collaborating with Henri
Barkey, a prominent U.S.-based Turkey scholar, and both men were
charged with attempting to overthrow the constitutional order.
An indictment alleged that Barkey had links to the network
of U.S.-based Turkish Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen, which
Ankara says had orchestrated the coup attempt. Gulen denies
involvement and Barkey has said the charges are a "complete
fabrication". urn:newsml:reuters.com:*:nL1N2IY0VJ
"We also note with concern U.S. citizen Dr. Henri Barkey's
inclusion in these unwarranted court proceedings. We believe the
charges against Dr. Barkey to be baseless", the State Department
said on Wednesday.
The State Department urged Turkey to abide by a European
Court of Human Rights ruling in late 2019 that Kavala be
released.
(Reporting by Kanishka Singh in Bengaluru; Editing by Leslie
Adler and Jane Wardell)
((Kanishka.Singh@thomsonreuters.com; +91 8061822801;))