Turkish police have detained 13 academics and journalists suspected of having links with the jailed human rights activist Osman Kavala.
Those arrested in a series of raids in Istanbul and across the country are being questioned over their relationship with the Anatolia Culture Association, a group founded by the philanthropist businessman and human rights activist Osman Kavala with the aim of promoting tolerance and minority rights. The government accuses it of agitating against the state and of having a role in the attempted coup against President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in 2016. Kavala was arrested last year and remains in prison without formal charge having been made against him.
Since the failed coup, Turkey has detained or questioned thousands of journalists, academics, writers, artists and activists in an attempt to suppress dissent.
16 November 2018