Andrew Gardner

I’m officially leaving Amnesty for a year-long break from tomorrow, will be cheering on the great work of @MilenaBuyum and @grsarisen on Amnesty Turkey campaigns and research and of course the amazing @aforgutu team in Turkey.

Human rights defenders convicted in disgraceful Büyükada verdict. Taner sentenced to 6 years 3 months for membership of terrorist organization. İdil, Özlem and Günal all given 1 year 13 months for assisting a terrorist org all pending appeal. We will not let this outrage stand.

This is an outrage. Absurd alllegations. No evidence. After three year trial Taner Kılıç convicted for membership of a terrorist organization. Özlem and Günal convicted for asisting. The torment continues. We won’t give up until all are acquitted.

So here it is. After 3 years and 12 hearings. Absurd allegations. Pro-government media smear campaign. Taner detained for 14 months 8 other rights defenders detained for 4. The court will make up its mind. Verdict due 3pm.

The Büyükada trial resumes after adjournment. Defence lawyers continue with their criticism of the prosecutor’s summing up which fails to take account of the evidence presented at the trial.