Justice frees patron Osman Kavala

Mucella Yapici celebrates the acquittal of businessman and human rights activist Osman Kavala in court in Silivri, near Istanbul, on February 18, 2020. Ozan KOSE / AFP

Text by: RFI Follow

In Turkey, the so-called “Gezi” trial has just ended with the acquittal of the accused. The main accused, the patron Osman Kavala, had been in prison for more than two years. A surprise, as the trial was a personal matter for Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

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From our correspondent in Istanbul, Cerise Sudry-Le Dû

Big smiles, signs of victory and even tears of relief. At the exit of the huge courtroom installed at the exit of the Silivri prison, in the suburbs of Istanbul, the surprise mixes with joy among the dozens of supporters who made the trip.

It must be said that they have been going on for almost a year with audiences, each more surreal than the other. The defendants were accused of having helped, assisted or financed the protests of Gezi, which shook power in Turkey in 2013. The main accused, the patron Osman Kavala, had been in prison for more than two years .

The trial was separate, as Recep Tayyip Erdogan made the procedure a personal matter . The lawyers have repeatedly denounced non-existent evidence in the file or inconsistent witnesses. the European Court of Human Rights had also called for his immediate release.

This Tuesday, the supporters of the accused therefore let their joy burst. Mucella Yapici, for whom the prosecutor had requested life imprisonment, exclaimed: “ Gezi cannot be polluted! ".

They can condemn heavily, they can also ask for an acquittal, there is no guaranteed predictability ...

Can we imagine now the release of the honorary president of Amnesty International in Turkey? Ananlyse d'Ameth Insel, Professor Emeritus at Galatasaray University.

► Read also: Where is democracy going in Turkey?

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  • Turkey
  • Human rights

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