The United States is “deeply troubled and disappointed” by a Turkish court’s decision to sentence prominent philanthropist and activist Osman Kavala to life in prison without the possibility of parole. 

“His unjust conviction is inconsistent with respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law,” State Department spokesperson Ned Price said in a statement Monday evening. 

An Istanbul court found Kavala guilty of attempting to overthrow the government of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in connection with the anti-government protests that swept Turkey in 2013. The 64-year-old denied all charges against him in the trial rights groups described as emblematic of the country's democratic backsliding. 

“We remain gravely concerned by the continued judicial harassment of civil society, media, political and business leaders in Turkey, including through prolonged pretrial detention, overly broad claims of support for terrorism and criminal insult cases,” the State Department said. “The people of Turkey deserve to exercise their human rights and fundamental freedoms without fear of retribution.”