A noted philanthropist and publisher focusing on promoting intercultural understanding, Kavala was setting up a cultural center for Syrian refugees when he was detained on terrorism charges in late 2017. He was sentenced to life in prison on April 25, 2022 for “attempting to overthrow the government.” His life sentence was upheld by Türkiye’’s court of appeals on September 28, 2023. In May 2024, his request for a retrial was denied for the third time.!!
