• Press Release

Re-Arrest of Osman Kavala in Turkey Smacks of Calculated Cruelty

February 19, 2020

A Turkey's border police personel stands on a watchtower overlooking a barbed wire wall fence erected on the Bulgaria-Turkey border near the town of Lesovo, on September 14, 2016. / AFP / NIKOLAY DOYCHINOV (Photo credit should read NIKOLAY DOYCHINOV/AFP via Getty Images)
The decision to detain Osman Kavala on new charges merely hours after a court ordered his release must be immediately reversed and he must immediately set free, said Amnesty International.

“This decision smacks of deliberate and calculated cruelty. To have been granted release after almost two-and-a-half years behind bars only to have the door to freedom so callously slammed in his face is a devastating blow for Osman Kavala, his family and all who stand for justice in Turkey,” said Milena Buyum, Amnesty International Turkey Campaigner.

“This latest episode of malicious detention has dashed the hopes of Osman Kavala and those of his family who were waiting to welcome him into their arms.

“This cynical and outrageous re-detention only deepens our resolve to continue to fight on Osman Kavala’s behalf. It is time for Turkey to end the relentless crackdown on dissenting voices. Osman Kavala must be immediately released from prison and the witch hunt against him ended.”