"The statement of the Department of State calling for the release of Osman Kavala is not in line with the principle of the rule of law. There is an ongoing legal process regarding Osman Kavala. Everybody must respect this process, which is being carried out by independent courts," Hami Aksoy, the spokesperson of Turkish Foreign Ministry, said in a written statement.

"In fact, a decision of acquittal was issued regarding Osman Kavala last February. He is currently in detention on a different charge based on new evidence," he noted.

It is paradoxical for those who have used legal proceedings as an excuse when it comes to the extradition of the FETÖ ringleader, and kept Deputy Director General of Halkbank, Hakan Atilla in detention for months before initiating a judicial process, to interfere in an ongoing case in Turkey.

"Turkey is a state governed by the rule of law. No country or person can give orders to Turkish courts regarding legal processes," he underlined.

On Monday, the U.S. State Department issued a written statement, calling on Turkey "to comply with its own commitment to justice and rule of law and to release Osman Kavala from detention, while pursuing a just, transparent, and speedy resolution to his case". (ILKHA)