Ambassadors of 10 western countries make joint call on Turkey, over detained Kavala

A joint call was made on Turkey by the ambassador of 10 countries via the official Twitter account of the US Embassy, to release businessman Osman Kavala who has been detained for 4 years, despite the decision of the ECHR.

It is reported that Osman Kavala, a businessman has been detained for four years without any conviction. Despite the decision of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) on the violation of rights for both arrests, the Constitutional Court and local courts insist not to implement the decision. There have been joint calls from 10 embassies for Kavala’s release. The Embassies of Germany, the United States, Denmark, Finland, France, the Netherlands, Sweden, Canada, Norway and New Zealand have participated in the call.

“It overshadows the principles of the rule of law and transparency”

The following statements were made in a statement from the US Embassy in Ankara:

“It has been four years since Osman Kavala was arrested. The fact that the case is constantly delayed by combining different files and creating new cases after the acquittal decision overshadows the respect for democracy, the rule of law and the principles of transparency in the Turkish judicial system.

As embassies of Germany, the United States, Denmark, Finland, France, the Netherlands, Sweden, Canada, Norway and New Zealand, we believe that Turkey should ensure the immediate release of Osman Kavala in accordance with the decisions of the European Court of Human Rights on this issue and Turkey’s international obligations and in accordance with national law.”

Turkey’s Interior Minister makes statement slamming said call

After the call made via the official Twitter account of the US Embassy and supported by 10 countries, a statement was received from Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu saying”The Republic of Turkey is a democratic, legal state. It is unacceptable for ambassadors to advise and indoctrinate the judiciary in an ongoing case. Your advice and suggestion casts a shadow on your understanding of law and democracy.”