Messages of support for Osman Kavala in his eighth year of imprisonment: There are surprise names on the list too

Businessman and civil society representative Osman Kavala, who has been held at Marmara Prison in Silivri since November 1, 2017, has left his eighth year behind.

Although the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) issued a ruling stating that Kavala should be released immediately, the judicial process in Turkey did not comply with this decision, and Kavala has remained in detention.

In the eighth year of Kavala's imprisonment, many politicians, legal experts, academics, and human rights defenders from Turkey and around the world have collectively called for justice for Osman Kavala.

ABDULLAH GÜL EXTENDS SUPPORT

Former President Abdullah Gül stated that implementing the ECHR ruling would both rectify the injustice done to Kavala and contribute to the international image of the Republic of Turkey. Gül said, "Fulfilling the ECHR ruling will both remedy the injustice done to him and contribute to the image of the Republic of Turkey."

Former Minister of Justice Cemil Çiçek, recalling that implementing the ECHR ruling regarding Abdullah Öcalan was also a very difficult process, said, "We even implemented that decision; I hold the same view regarding the release of Osman Kavala."

Amnesty International Secretary General Agnès Callamard described the deprivation of Osman Kavala's freedom as "one of the most shameful injustices in Turkey's history." Callamard stated that Kavala's imprisonment is a major stain on justice and human rights in Turkey.

Human Rights Watch also emphasized that the Kavala case has become a concrete indicator of the democracy and rule of law crisis in Turkey.

REACTION FROM NOBEL LAUREATE AUTHOR ORHAN PAMUK

Nobel laureate author Orhan Pamuk made statements regarding Kavala's imprisonment. Expressing his anger at the injustice Kavala has been subjected to, Pamuk said, "It has been eight years since Osman Kavala was put inside! The boundless injustice and persecution he has suffered, and remaining a spectator to this, makes us feel that not only Kavala, but all of us are prisoners just like him."

JOURNALIST HASAN CEMAL: "WE ARE WITH YOU, YOU ARE NOT ALONE"

Journalist Hasan Cemal shared his messages of solidarity with Osman Kavala on social media. Cemal supported Kavala with the words, "I look forward to your release and your return to us as soon as possible. Don't let it get you down, my brother; you are not alone. We are with you!"