İSTANBUL - In the second hearing of the consolidated Gezi trial, it was decided to continue the detention of businessperson Osman Kavala.

The Gezi case, where 52 defendants, including businessperson Osman Kavala, who has been imprisoned for 1,488 days, continued today (November 26).

The court ruled for the continuation of Kavala's arrest with one judge expressing a dissenting opinion.

Ahead of the hearing, the Taksim Solidarity made a statement for the press in front of the İstanbul Courthouse in Çağlayan.

MPs from the Republican People's Party (CHP), the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) and the Workers' Party of Turkey (TİP) were also in front of the courthouse.

Reading out the statement, Esin Köymen of the Arcihtects Chamber said the Gezi Resistance was subject to trial for the third time "on unfounded allegations," even though it was confirmed by judicial decision twice that it "took place on a constitutional basis."

"Your efforts to defame the Gezi Resistance once again through judicial means are futile! We will not allow you to distort the facts! We won't allow you to denigrate the resistance of millions of people in parks, streets and squares for their democratic rights and demands, for freedom, democracy and a human life with your pre-ordered scenarios."

TANRIKULU: I EXPECT HIM TO BE RELEASED

CHP deputy Sezgin Tanrıkulu said Kavala is still in prison "because Mr. President, who is the chief prosecutor of Turkey, wants him to remain under arrest."

However, recalling an appeal by the ambassadors of 10 countries for Kavala's release, Tanrıkulu said, "I expect him to be released today because Mr. President said 'the judiciary will do what is necessary.'"

KAVALA DID NOT ATTEND THE HEARING

After the statements, the hearing started at around 10.30 a.m. Osman Kavala did not attend the hearing.

Pointing out the president's statements targeting him, "I believe it's pointless for me to attend the hearings and make a defense."