Turkish Activist: Top Court Ruling Is a Legal Obligation, Not a Choice

Osman Kavala, a prominent Turkish civil society leader, said that complying with a recent ruling from the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) is a fundamental duty of any state governed by the rule of law. Speaking on the Grand Chamber’s final decision in his case, Kavala stated: “Compliance with ECHR rulings is primarily about fulfilling the state’s obligation to its citizens under the rule of law.” Kavala’s remarks underscore the binding nature of the court’s decisions, which Turkey is legally required to implement. The statement comes as part of his ongoing response to the international court’s latest judgment.