The appeal filed by political refugee Kenan Ayas was unanimously rejected today by the Supreme Court, resulting in his immediate extradition to the German authorities. It is expected that following the Supreme Court’s decision, Kenan Ayas will be transferred to Germany where he will be imprisoned until his trial for an unspecified number of years.
As the Movement of Ecologists – Citizens’ Co-operation, we express our indignation and regret at the extradition of Kenan Ayas. Unfortunately, it appears that political action and the struggle for freedom is now being criminalised.
It is with shame and disappointment that we also note with this decision that the authorities seem to be embracing the policies of the Turkish state towards people who fight through political means – such as Kenan Ayas – for the freedom of their people.
At the same time, we also condemn the behaviour of the police who arrested three hunger strikers who were outside the Supreme Court today to support the Kurdish Kenan Ayas. We call for the immediate release of the three Kurds and an end to their persecution.
The European Union and its member countries – with the Republic of Cyprus leading the way – must officially change their attitude towards the Kurdish struggle instead of giving in to the demands of the Turkish Government.