Drafted by the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), the "Bill on Preventing the Spread and Financing of Weapons of Mass Destruction", which also foresees the appointment of trustees to NGOs, has been passed by the Justice Commission amid objections from the opposition.
Turkish Constitutional Court’s Grand Chamber will review philanthropist and businessman Osman Kavala’s application against his ongoing imprisonment on Dec. 29. The top court's First Chamber was set to review Kavala's application on Dec. 15 but sent it to the Grand Chamber without discussing it.
The 43-article “Bill for the Prevention of the Financing of the Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction”, deliberated at the Justice Committee of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey [GNAT]; referred to the GNAT Plenary; and foreseeing amendments to 6 laws, is in violation of notably the constitution, the international human rights conventions to which we adhere as well as the vested rights acquired thereof.
PACE monitors for Turkey Thomas Hammarberg (Sweden, SOC) and John Howell (United Kingdom, EC/DA) and Alexandra Louis (France, ALDE), PACE rapporteur on Restrictions on NGO activities in Council of Europe member States, expressed their deep concern about possible new restrictions which could be imposed on NGOs.
The European Union has slammed Turkey for keeping Osman Kavala behind bars, saying the renowned philanthropist and businessman's continued arrest “runs against Turkey’s stated commitment to the rule of law and the respect of fundamental rights, including the presumption of innocence.”
The EP standing rapporteur for Turkey and the chair of the EU-Turkey parliamentary delegation issued the following statement Friday in reaction to the decision in the case of Osman Kavala.
Intimidation of civil society through judicial processes
An Istanbul court on Dec. 18 rejected a demand for the release of philanthropist and businessman Osman Kavala and ruled for the next hearing of the trial to be held on Feb. 5, 2021.
The first hearing of the second trial against Kavala took place on Dec. 18 at the Istanbul 36th Heavy Penal Court.
Tomorrow, Friday 18 December 2020, marks the 1,144th day of detention for human rights defender Osman Kavala.
On the same day, the first hearing of his trial based on the October 2020 indictment (see recent developments section below) will take place: if convicted Mr. Kavala risks a life-long prison term.