Erdogan slams Western envoys who urged philanthropist's release

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned a joint statement issued by the United States and nine other countries that called on Ankara to end its four-year detention of Osman Kavala. 
OZAN KOSE/AFP via Getty Images
Director general of the Anatolian Culture Asena Gunal stands in front of Osman Kavala's portrait during an interview at the Anatolian Culture Center on Feb. 26, 2020, in Istanbul. - OZAN KOSE/AFP via Getty Images
Al Monitor: The Pulse of the Middle East
Al-Monitor Staff

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned a group of Western ambassadors who urged Turkey this week to release philanthropist Osman Kavala. 

"I told our foreign minister: We can't have the luxury of hosting this lot in our country. Is it for you to give Turkey such a lesson? Who do you think you are?" Reuters quoted Erdogan as telling reporters on Thursday. 

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.

Videos

See more