Osman Kavala criticizes Turkish court for rejecting retrial request

Osman Kavala, a jailed Turkish philanthropist and civil society activist, has accused the Istanbul 13th High Criminal Court of undermining the credibility of the Turkish judiciary. The court recently rejected his request for a retrial, despite a binding judgment from the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR).

Kavala has been imprisoned since November 2017. On August 25, the ECtHR ruled that his continued detention was unlawful and violated his rights to a fair trial, freedom of expression, and freedom of assembly. The ECtHR further characterized his aggravated life sentence as inhumane and degrading treatment.

In a written statement, Kavala argued that the court’s refusal to reopen the case constitutes a serious human rights violation and an arbitrary interpretation of criminal procedure laws. He maintains that his prosecution regarding the 2013 Gezi Park protests is politically motivated and that there is no evidence of criminal activity.