Subject: On the detention of Osman Kavala
On 26 November 2021, an Istanbul court ruled that Turkish activist Osman Kavala must be kept in prison and set the next hearing for 17 January 2022.
The Kavala Case made President Erdogan threaten to expel the ambassadors of 6 EU Member States after they urged for Kavala to be released.
The last ruling could suppose an issue for Turkey’s membership in the Council of Europe, which called for Kavala’s release in line with a ruling from the European Court of Human Rights ECHRY, and ruled to notify Turkey of the CoE’s intention to begin infringement proceedings over Turkey’s refusal to release Mr Kavala.
The EEAS emphasised that “Concrete and lasting improvements in the area of fundamental freedoms and the rule of law, independent judiciary, including the respect of the principle of presumption of innocence and due legal process remain essential for the development of EU-Turkey bilateral relations”.
1) Will the HR/VP propose to the Council of the EU the adoption of sanctions, if necessary, to ensure the release of Mr Kavala and the compliance with the ECHR’s 2019 ruling?
2) Are the EEAS and the Delegation of the EU to Turkey observing the judicial proceedings open against Mr Kavala and, if necessary, provide legal support, in accordance with the EU Guidelines for Human Rights Defenders?
