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US-TURKEY-POLITICS
US calls for ‘immediate’ release of Turkish philanthropist
WASHINGTON, Feb 11, 2021 (BSS/AFP) – The United States on Wednesday called
on Turkey to release businessman and philanthropist Osman Kavala, who was
arrested for what the US called “specious” charges related to the 2016 failed
coup and 2013 anti-government protests.
The US State Department called for Kavala’s “immediate release.”
“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,” State Department spokesman Ned Price said in a statement.
“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.”
Kavala, a well-known figure in Turkish civil society, has been jailed
since October 2017. He faces a potential sentence of life in prison for
allegedly trying to overthrow the government of President Recep Tayyip
Erdogan in the July 2016 failed coup attempt, including espionage charges.
Those charges were recently combined with a case surrounding his roll in
2013 anti-government protests.
He was originally acquitted in the protest case, but the decision was
overturned in an appeals process last month.
Kavala continues to reject the charges, and rights groups believe
Erdogan’s government is trying to make an example out the 63-year-old to
other civil society leaders.
He is best known for his support for cultural projects on minority rights,
Kurdish affairs and Armenian-Turkish relations.
Erdogan frequently refers to Kavala as a Turkish representative of
American billionaire George Soros, a favorite conspiracy-theory scapegoat of
authoritarian leaders around the world.
Turkey describes American researcher Henri Barkey as a co-conspirator of
Kavala, and Barkey is also on trial in absentia for his alleged role in the
2016 coup.
In the State Department statement, Price also condemned Barkey’s inclusion
in the “unwarranted” legal proceedings in Turkey.
“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,” he
said.
BSS/AFP/FI/ 0803 hrs