Turkish court jails philanthropist Osman Kavala for life in widely condemned trial - Al-Monitor: The Middle Eastʼs leading independent news source since 2012

Andrew Wilks

Andrew Wilks

Apr 25, 2022

Opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) MPs Ali Seker (CR), Ozgulr Ozel (C) and Sezgin Tanrikulu (CL) speak to the press. — Opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) MPs Ali Seker (CR), Ozgulr Ozel (C) and Sezgin Tanrikulu (CL) speak to the press after the verdict of jailed rights defender Osman Kavala outside the Istanbul courthouse, on April 25, 2022. A Turkish court on April 25, 2022, sentenced Kavala to life in jail without the possibility of parole on highly controversial charges of attempting to topple the government. — OZAN KOSE/Afp/AFP via Getty Images

ISTANBUL — Turkish civil rights activist and philanthropist Osman Kavala was jailed for life without parole on Monday in a long-running case that sparked a diplomatic crisis and highlighted fears for the rule of law.

The 64-year-old, who has been held in prison for 4½ years, was found guilty of attempting to overthrow the government in connection with mass protests that broke out in 2013.

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Poster featuring jailed businessman and philanthropist Osman Kavala.

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BRUSSELS, BELGIUM - DECEMBER 11: Member of the International Peace and Reconciliation Initiative (IPRI) delegation to Turkey Osman Kavala is seen during a joint press conference with Chair of the Confederal Group of the European United Left - Nordic Green Left at the European Parliament Gabriele Zimmer, Chair of IPRI Judge Essa Moosa, French politician Francis Wurtz and Chair of the EU Turkey Civic Commission (EUTCC) Kariane Westrheim after 11th International Conference on the European Union, Turkey, the M

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