| The United States has criticized Turkish authorities for their allegations against 16 representatives of civil society, global media and business related to anti-government demonstrations in 2013. According to a statement by the US Department of State, “serious measures such as life imprisonment cannot be introduced for expressing one’s opinion.” The United States calls on Ankara to respect freedom of speech and peaceful assembly of citizens and to release all illegally detained persons. The charges were brought against the backdrop of mass demonstrations that took place in 2013. Authorities detained 16 people, arguing that demonstrations were part of a larger conspiracy to overthrow the government. Officials demanded the life sentence of businessman Osman Kavala. Amnesty International believes these allegations are an attempt by the authorities to silence some prominent civil society figures in Turkey. |
