Turkish opposition vows to overturn sentences against Kavala, others

Lawyers hold banners reading "Don't bow down" as they take part in a protest against a Turkish court decision that sentenced philanthropist Osman Kavala to life in prison over trying to overthrow the government, in front of Caglayan Courthouse, in Istanbul, Turkey, April 26, 2022. REUTERS/Umit Bektas

ISTANBUL (Reuters) -Turkish opposition leaders vowed to overturn jail sentences against philanthropist Osman Kavala and seven others convicted at the end of a case that lawyers said showed courts had become the government's "vehicle for revenge".

Kavala was sentenced to life in prison without parole, while seven others got 18 years based on claims they organised and financed nationwide protests in 2013, charges from which they were acquitted two years ago.