Council of Europe calls for release of Osman Kavala

The Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers called for the release of imprisoned businessman Osman Kavala, in line with the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) ruling.

Committee members discussed the execution process of the ECtHR judgment regarding Kavala, who was sentenced to life imprisonment in the Gezi Park trial, during their meetings held on Sept. 17-19.

In a statement issued on Sept. 19, the committee once again reminded Türkiye of its obligation to implement ECtHR rulings. It also drew attention to the fact that the Constitutional Court of Türkiye has still not reviewed Osman Kavala’s individual application.

Kavala submitted a second application to the ECtHR on Jan. 18, citing Turkish courts’ refusal to comply with the previous ruling.

Indictment against Osman Kavala

The indictment against Kavala and others alleges that the suspects financed and coordinated the protests in 2013 and played a role in directing an uprising that began in 2011.

Kavala insists he only participated in peaceful activities to protect the environment and the nearby park, denying any claims of organizing or funding the protests.

In June 2013, hundreds of thousands marched in Istanbul, initially protesting a plan to construct a replica of an Ottoman barracks in Gezi Park, located near Taksim Square in the central Beyoğlu district.

After a harsh police response, the protests escalated into nationwide demonstrations and riots.