Turkish court jails philanthropist Osman Kavala for life in widely condemned trial 

After more than four years behind bars, Osman Kavala was sentenced in a case that rights groups and the opposition call a travesty of justice.
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
andrewwilk.jpg
Andrew Wilks
@AndyWilks61

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. 

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