(VOVWORLD) - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday that he had told his foreign ministry to expel the ambassadors of the United States and nine other Western countries for demanding the release of philanthropist Osman Kavala.
 Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan delivers a speech in Ankara on October 6, 2021. (Photo: AFP/VNA) |
On Tuesday, Turkish foreign ministry summoned ambassadors of 10 countries over a joint statement calling for the release of activist and businessman Osman Kavala.
In a joint statement on Monday, the ambassadors of Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Finland, New Zealand and the United States called for a just and speedy resolution to Kavala's case, and for his "urgent release". The Turkish foreign ministry called the statement irresponsible.
Kavala has been in prison for four years, charged with financing nationwide protests in 2013 and with involvement in a failed coup in 2016. He has denied the charges.
The US said it was seeking clarity from the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Danish Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod said his ministry was in contact with its friends and allies, adding that they will continue to guard their common values and principles, as also expressed in the joint declaration.