Politis

Presidential Decision Secures Release of Kenan Ayaz – Observatory's Statement on His Trial

Published February 16, 2026, 14:19
Presidential Decision Secures Release of Kenan Ayaz – Observatory's Statement on His Trial

Kurdish activist Kenan Ayaz has been released from prison, approximately four months before his scheduled release date, following pressure from supporters in Cyprus and Germany. The release was decided by the President of the Republic after he had served two-thirds of his sentence. The Observatory for his trial emphasizes that Ayaz was prosecuted for his political beliefs and does not recognize the conviction. According to the Observatory, the release did not result from an application, as Ayaz and his defense team do not recognize the conviction. His residence permit has been settled by the Deputy Ministry of Migration and International Protection, and his political refugee status has been renewed. The Observatory argues that Ayaz suffered hardship from the Cypriot judicial and executive branches, as well as from the German system, and that he was convicted at the behest of Turkey. It points out that Ayaz was held in Turkish prisons for 17 years without trial and that his life and freedom are threatened by the Turkish state. Following his release, Ayaz visited the memorial of Theofilos Georgiadis to pay his respects and declare the continuation of the struggle for the freedom of Cyprus and Kurdistan.