kenan ayaz — A solidarity gathering took place on Wednesday outside the central prisons in Nicosia, with protesters demanding the release of Kurdish activist Kenan Ayaz. Supporters are urging for his freedom either through a presidential pardon or early release, citing that he has already served a significant portion of his sentence in Germany and Cyprus.
Photo: cyprus-mail.com
Recently transferred to the open prison section, Ayaz’s case has drawn considerable attention from both the Kurdish community and human rights advocates. His lawyer, Efstathios Efstathiou, remarked to the Cyprus News Agency that Ayaz’s return to Cyprus represents a continuation of the joint Cypriot-Kurdish struggle for freedom. Efstathiou elaborated that Ayaz has consistently linked his vision for Kurdish independence with the pursuit of Cypriot independence.
Photo: cyprus-mail.com
According to Efstathiou, Ayaz was convicted in Germany for actions that did not involve violence or terrorism, but rather for activities associated with freedom of assembly, which he argues are protected under the European Convention on Human Rights. Having served more than half of his sentence, his lawyer expressed hope for a swift release.
The gathering was organised by the “Observatory for the Trial of Ayaz” in collaboration with the Kurdish community in Cyprus. Alecos Michaelides, a spokesperson at the event, reiterated the demands for immediate release, emphasising the role of the justice ministry and the president of the Republic in this matter.
Michaelides highlighted that Ayaz spent over two years in German prisons prior to his transfer and noted that no criminal acts have been recorded against him in Cyprus. He also pointed out that Ayaz was recognised as a political refugee by the Republic of Cyprus 14 years ago. Recent communications from the deputy ministry of migration indicate that his case is under review, with a possibility of restoring his political protection status.
Michaelides stressed that Cyprus has not accused Ayaz of terrorism, unlike the outcomes in German courts. Campaigners are hopeful that Cypriot authorities, including the president, will act to ensure his protection and eventual release.
Ayaz was sentenced to four years and three months in prison, but with over two years already served in Germany, supporters contend that he has completed a significant portion of his sentence and qualifies for early release. They argue that a presidential pardon remains a viable option, as the president is not obligated to justify such a decision to German authorities.
Supporters concluded the gathering by reminding authorities that Ayaz had lived in Limassol for years without posing a threat to Cypriot society. They called for decisions that reflect his positive standing within the community.
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