"The European Convention on Human Rights is a very important institution. I want to see it protected. I understand that member states have geopolitical and economic problems, but these should not be allowed to overshadow the convention," she says during a brief visit to Stockholm to receive the Gilel Storch Prize on behalf of her husband.
The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) concluded in 2019 that the imprisonment of businessman and democracy activist Osman Kavala is a violation of that convention and lacks legal basis. At the end of August, the ECHR's Grand Chamber urged Turkey to immediately release Kavala, but nothing has happened.
The statement was strong, but given that the two previous decisions were not followed, I don't let myself get too hopeful, says Ayse Bugra Kavala quietly.
Separated by a pane of glass
Osman Kavala has been detained in principle since the fall of 2017. He was acquitted in winter 2020 of charges of having organised protests against the redevelopment of Gezi Park in Istanbul in 2013. But a few hours later he was arrested on suspicion of involvement in the coup attempt against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in 2016.
During the trial, Kavala called the process a "miscarriage of justice." The life sentence, condemned by several countries, was handed down in 2022.
After that, Ayse Bugra Kavala, who is a professor of political economy, is only allowed to visit her husband twice a month in the notorious high-security Marmara prison outside Istanbul.
One visit is open, so we can sit and talk together. At the other, we are separated by a pane of glass and speak via a telephone receiver, she says.
Writing by hand
Osman Kavala is often described as one of Turkey's most famous prisoners. Before his arrest, he was active as a philanthropist, debater and in several organizations, including the non-governmental Anadolu Kultur, which he founded.
Now he has access to a small playground, newspapers, books and TV - but no internet or computer. All writing has to be done by hand. But despite the circumstances, Kavala is doing well, according to his wife.
He is morally strong and not depressed. And he doesn't complain.
So what are they talking about, what worries her about developments in Erdogan's Turkey?
- Economic discontent is widespread, I think we have the second highest inflation in the world. But what worries me most are the deviations from the principles of the rule of law and democracy. I am concerned that many opposition mayors, journalists, artists and comedians are being imprisoned, she says.
