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Chair’s statement: the arbitrary detention of Osman Kavala

We strongly encourage the Turkish authorities to follow up the Court's decision positively and to release him without further delay.

Maria Arena, 11 December 2019

European Court Calls for Civic Leader’s Immediate Release

“The European Court of Human Rights’ ruling today should lead to an end to Turkey’s indefensible persecution of Osman Kavala,” said Aisling Reidy, senior legal adviser at Human Rights Watch.

HRW, 10 December 2019

Statement by Osman Kavala upon completion of his 2nd year in prison

For true judicial reform, it is necessary to recognize a person’s freedom as their most basic, fundamental human right. Once this is the case, it will become clear that nobody, not any politician nor public official, has the right or authority to arbitrarily withhold this sacred right.

Osman Kavala, 1 November 2019

Kavala's Lawyers Held a Briefing Following the Gezi Case Hearing

The 30th High Criminal Court of Istanbul decided for the continuation of Osman Kavala’s detention in the third hearing of the Gezi Park Case on 8 October. Kavala’s lawyers Köksal Bayraktar, Deniz Tolga Aytöre, and İlkan Koyuncu held a briefing after the court’s decision.

9 October 2019

52nd AICA International Congress Declaration on Osman Kavala

We, as members of AICA International and participants of the 52nd International AICA Congress 2019 in Cologne & Berlin, are stating that Osman Kavala must be released immediately.

5 October 2019

Osman Kavala is awarded the European Archaeological Heritage Prize 2019

Osman Kavala is awarded 2019 European Archaeological Heritage Prize in the individual category by the European Association of Archaeologists (EAA) in recognition of his dedicated and untiring promotion of knowledge, protection, and preservation of endangered cultural heritage in Turkey.

4 September 2019

EUDEL Statement on human rights in Turkey

The EU calls for the release without delay also of Osman Kavala for the remaining period of his trial, and notes that use of prolonged pre-trial detention can undermine the principle of presumption of innocence and the right to a fair trial of the defendant.

3 July 2019

Excerpts from Osman Kavala's Defence

Excerpts from the defence statement given by Osman Kavala on 24 June 2019 is now available.

1 July 2019

Ayşenur Zarakolu Freedom of Thought and Expression Awards

The 17th Ayşenur Zarakolu Freedom of Thought and Expression Awards by the Human Rights Association (İHD) İstanbul Branch have been granted to Prof. Şebnem Korur-Fincancı, Ayşe Düzkan, and Osman Kavala.

9 May 2019

Artists and cultural workers in Silivri for solidarity with Osman Kavala

On 28 April 2019, a group of artists and arts and culture workers gathered in front of Silivri Prison for solidarity with Osman Kavala.

28 April 2019

500 days behind bars

On the 500th day of Osman Kavala’s detention, in solidarity with Kavala, people from the arts field took and shared photographs with "Free Osman Kavala" signs.

15 March 2019

Statement by the human rights organizations in Turkey

In response to the absurd allegations levelled against Osman Kavala and Yiğit Aksakoğlu, who are both imprisoned pending trial, as well as 14 other civil society figures, all of whom are accused of “attempting to overthrow the government”, we call for the escalating crackdown on and criminalization of civil society to end.

27 February 2019

Message from Osman Kavala upon completion of his 500th day in prison

I would like to remind those who truly believe the Gezi events to be a foreign-financed attempt to topple the government: mass protests with rightful and legitimate claims may emerge and have done so all over the world against authoritarian regimes as well as democracies.

15 March 2019

Press Release by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development of France

We are deeply concerned by the issuance of an indictment requiring, inter alia, a life sentence against Mr. Osman Kavala, a civil society figure.

22 February 2019

Statement by the United States of America

The United States is gravely concerned by reports that prosecutors in Turkey moved to indict 16 civil society, media, and business leaders. Exercising the right to freedom of expression should not result in an aggravated life sentence.

23 February 2019

  

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