News - PACE awards Vaclav Havel prize to jailed Turkish activist Osman Kavala who supports Armenian Genocide recognition

Turkish businessman, philanthropist and activist Osman Kavala, who is sentenced to life imprisonment in Turkey, was awarded the 2023 Vaclav Havel Human Rights Prize. This decision was announced during a special ceremony on the opening day of the fall session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) in Strasbourg, France, reports DW. Today, more than ever, it is important to pay tribute to the women and men who, with their courage, determination and strength, show us the way to freedom; their struggle is an example for all of us, said PACE President Tiny Cox. During the award ceremony, Kavala's wife, Ayse Bugra Kavala, read her husband's letter from prison. The philanthropist, who helped cultural projects in Turkey, said he dedicated this award to his fellow citizens unjustly imprisoned. To note, Osman Kavala is a supporter of the recognition of the Armenian Genocide.