#OsmanKavala, who has been behind bars for the past 1193 days, appears before court for the second time as part of his second trial where he faces “attempting to overthrow the constitutional order” and “espionage” charges. We demand Kavala to be released today! #FreeOsmanKavala
Conversation
2nd hearing of the trial where #OsmanKavala faces “attempting to overthrow the constitutional order” & “espionage” charges is held at Istanbul 36th HCC today, MLSA is monitoring. The case is expected to be merged with the #Gezi trial since the acquittal was recently overturned.
Representatives from USA, Germany, Netherlands and Switzerland Consulates as well as MPs Ahmet Şık, Ali Şeker, and Sezgin Tanrıkulu are monitoring the hearing. MLSA Co-Director Veysel Ok also present in the courtroom.
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Witness Leyla Alaton testifies: I know Osman Kavala and Henri Barkey. However I never saw them together or witnessed them meeting. My father knew both of them and has hosted them. He often hosted diplomats, academics and artists.
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#OsmanKavala: I have been imprisoned for 39 months based on fictive accusations. Initially I was arrested on the claims that I financially supported the Gezi protests, and that I organized the July 15 coup attempt.
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#OsmanKavala: The fact that I was arrested due to these two incidents at the same time indicates that the prosecutor made a connection btw. them. Then I was released from the charge regarding the coup attempt, and the case continued on the claim that I financed the Gezi protests.
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#OsmanKavala: My irrational imprisonment may be explained through ideological conduct and the lack of goodwill. The claim that I will escape justice if I am released, is a biased one and this is out of the question.
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Court decided to merge the case with the recently overturned #Gezi trial, ruled for the continuation of #OsmanKavala’s detention. The re-trial of the Gezi case will commence on May 21, 2021. #FreeOsmanKavala
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