A new diplomatic row looms between Turkey and a string of Western countries. Ten countries had called for the release of opponent Osman Kavala, after which Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has now declared the ambassadors involved “persona non grata”.
“I have instructed our foreign minister to declare these 10 ambassadors persona non grata as soon as possible,” the head of state said. Earlier, Erdogan had already indirectly threatened the ambassadors with expulsion. The president accused them of “obscenity”. He added that they would have to “leave” Turkey if they no longer know and understand the country.
Canada, France, Finland, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden and the United States on Monday called for a “fair and speedy settlement of the issue” Osman Kavala. The Turkish businessman and sponsor is a black sheep of the regime and has been imprisoned for four years without trial.
The government accuses the 64-year-old opponent of wanting to destabilize Turkey. In December 2019, the European Court of Human Rights ordered his immediate release, but to no avail. Osman Kavala will remain in prison until November 26, an Istanbul court ruled in early October.
“Lifelong food practitioner. Zombie geek. Explorer. Reader. Subtly charming gamer. Entrepreneur. Devoted analyst.”
More Stories
Jordan and Egypt: Hamas cannot be eliminated, and the Israeli occupation is causing conflict
The rise of the Asian hornet
Britons are being warned of rising tourist phobia in Benidorm