Statement by the Spokesperson following European Court of Human Rights’ verdict on Mr Kavala, still detained in Turkey

11.12.2019
Brussels

Statement by the Spokesperson following European Court of Human Rights’ verdict on Mr Kavala, still detained in Turkey

In the Kavala v. Turkey case, the European Court of Human Rights yesterday found a violation of Articles 5 and 18 of the European Convention on Human Rights. The court called for the immediate release of Mr Kavala, a businessman and human-rights defender who is currently detained.

 

This verdict reinforces our call for his immediate release. It should also remind the authorities in Turkey that the use of prolonged pre-trial detention undermines the principle of presumption of innocence and the right to a fair trial of the defendant. The implementation of this verdict is also important for the ongoing judiciary reform.

 

As the European Union has repeatedly said, the decision to indict participants of the 2013 Gezi Park protests and to seek life sentences for them contributes to the creation of a climate of fear and undermines the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression and the overall role of an active civil society.

Peter Stano
Lead Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
+32 (0)460 75 45 53