Attendees of the anniversary symposium of the Center for the Study of Social Difference (What We CAN Do When There’s Nothing To Be Done) were among artists, activists, journalists and family members in Istanbul and London wishing imprisoned Turkish activist Osman Kavala a happy birthday on September 28, 2018. Kavala, the Executive Board Chair of Anadolu Kültür, referred to as the Soros of Turkey, has been incarcerated in Turkey since the first of November last year after being arrested in October of 2017 at İstanbul Atatürk Airport. His arrest has garnered international indignation, with many calling for his immediate release.

CSSD symposium audience members, panelists, and organizers alike stood below a picture and birthday message of Kavala that read, “Osman Kavala has taught us what we can do when there’s nothing to be done.” This was in addition to participant support of a statement entitled #WhatWeCanDo released at the close of the conference listing the resolutions of the symposium to advance social justice.

Read more about birthday greetings sent to Osman Kavala here.