Politis

Observatory: Continued Detention of Kenan Ayaz a 'Political Choice' Despite Commitments

Published January 28, 2026, 10:22
Observatory: Continued Detention of Kenan Ayaz a 'Political Choice' Despite Commitments

The Observatory for the trial of Kenan Ayaz has issued a statement condemning his continued detention as a 'political choice', despite commitments made regarding the settlement of his residence permit. Ayaz maintains refugee status, recognized by the Republic of Cyprus, however, his treatment in the Central Prisons is considered a violation of the institutional framework. The Observatory emphasizes that no Cypriot authority has evidence of a criminal act by Ayaz and that Cyprus chose to apply European agreements on the extradition of prisoners, despite the fact that the offenses for which he was convicted in Germany are not criminal offenses in Cyprus. The continuation of the detention is linked to a pending case against him in Turkey, where there is a history of political persecution, making any delay in his release a serious political and moral responsibility.