06/07/2020 (Agence Europe) – On 4 July, a spokesperson for the EEAS described as “regrettable” the previous day’s decision to give prison sentences to the four human rights activists in the Büyükada case (see EUROPE 11892/16) who are “long-standing interlocutors of both the EU and many of its Member States”. Their sentences, for aiding or abetting a terrorist organisation, range from two years and one month to six years and three months in prison. The decision “deepens the EU’s serious concerns regarding Turkey’s backsliding in fundamental areas” the spokesperson said in a statement. “Turkey urgently needs to demonstrate concrete progress on the rule of law and fundamental freedoms, which are cornerstones of EU-Turkey relations. Freedom of expression and of assembly are fundamental pillars of a democratic society”, said the spokesman. (CG)