At 00:00 GMT on Tuesday, the European Court of Human Rights issued a binding decision that obliges Turkey to release activist and philanthropist Osman Kavala, who has spent nearly a decade in prison.

Kavala received a life sentence in 2022 following accusations connected to the 2013 Gezi Park protests and an alleged attempt to overthrow the government in 2016. While he has since been cleared by Turkish courts, the European court found the charges to be politically motivated, violating his right to a fair trial, freedom of expression and association.

The court’s ruling stated that the measures against Kavala were primarily aimed at punishing him for his involvement in the protests and his human‑rights advocacy, and that his continued detention was unlawful. It also described his aggravated life sentence as inhuman and degrading.

‘The case exposes a systemic problem in Turkey’s approach towards the detention and prosecution of political opponents, human‑rights defenders and journalists,’ the court said, noting structural shortcomings that threatened judicial independence.

An immediate release is required, with Turkish authorities urged to act unconditionally. The move comes after two prior ECHR rulings that Ankara has not implemented, adding to tensions between Turkey and the Council of Europe.

By James Gregory

Published: 1 hour ago