The repression of free speech in Turkey worsens by the day, especially for anyone who is critical of the government or the president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan (Turkey intensifies crackdown on public life in run-up to Nato summit in Ankara, 6 July). It is right to suggest that other governments’ silence encourages authoritarianism. The human rights philanthropist Osman Kavala (whom we represent) has languished in jail since 2017 in spite of legally binding orders for his release issued by the European court of human rights, which has recognised that he is the victim of a political prosecution. European states have repeatedly balked at putting any real pressure on Turkey to free Mr Kavala.
Instead of paying lip service to upholding the integrity of the European human rights system, governments must take concerted action to give it some real teeth.
Prof Philip Leach Middlesex University
Prof Başak Çalı Oxford University
