US State Department calls on Turkey to release Osman Kavala immediately

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Ned Price, the Spokesperson for the United States (US) State Department, has released a written statement about arrested businessperson and rights defender Osman Kavala, who has been behind bars in Silivri Prison for 1,199 days as of today (February 11).

In its statement addressed to Turkey, the Spokesperson has called on the country to immediately release Osman Kavala, to enforce the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) judgements and to ensure a just, transparent and speedy resolution of the case.

'It undermines respect for rule of law'

Regarding Kavala, Ned Price has said:

The United States again calls on Turkey to immediately release Osman Kavala from detention. 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. We urge Turkey to abide by the European Court of Human Rights' rulings and ensure a just, transparent, and speedy resolution to the case in line with its domestic laws and international obligations.

CLICK - 'ECtHR judgements are binding legal requirements'

Call for Henri Barkey

The Spokesperson has also made a call about Henri Barkey, a US citizen who is currently on trial in the same case with Kavala:

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, and we call on Turkey to resolve his case in a just, transparent, and rapid manner.

'Espionage' and Gezi cases merged

Arrested again despite a ruling of acquittal and release in the Gezi trial and now standing trial for "changing the Constitutional order" and "obtaining confidential information of the state for purposes of political or military espionage", businessperson and rights defender Osman Kavala had his second hearing at the İstanbul 36th Heavy Penal Court on February 5.

With the rulings of acquittal in Gezi overturned by the appeals court, the court has ruled that Kavala shall remain arrested and the file of "espionage" case shall be merged with that of the Gezi trial. (TP/SD)