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Kurdish Activist Kenan Ayaz Released from Prison

Published February 16, 2026, 14:14
Kurdish Activist Kenan Ayaz Released from Prison

Kurdish activist Kenan Ayaz was released from prison early, approximately four months before his scheduled release date, following pressure from supporters in Cyprus and Germany. The Observatory for his trial announced his release, emphasizing that Ayaz is persecuted for his political beliefs and does not recognize his conviction. The release was decided by the President of the Republic, and his residence permit and refugee status have been renewed. The Observatory denounces that Ayaz suffered torture from German authorities and was convicted on the orders of Turkey. He had previously been held in Turkish prisons for 17 years without trial. After his release, Ayaz visited the memorial of Theofilos Georgiadis, declaring the continuation of the struggle for the freedom of Cyprus and Kurdistan.