Nicosia, 6 August 2025 – The Observatory for the Trial of Kenan Ayaz unequivocally condemns the prolonged detention of Kenan Ayaz, a Kurdish political refugee and permanent resident of Cyprus, by the German authorities. The refusal to return him to Cyprus — despite explicit assurances and binding legal obligations under EU law — constitutes a flagrant violation of the rule of law and is part of a broader campaign of political persecution and transnational repression against Kurdish activists in Europe.
Kenan Ayaz was extradited from the Republic of Cyprus to Germany in 2023 under the explicit condition — as provided by Article 5(3) of Framework Decision 2002/584/JHA — that any sentence imposed would be served in Cyprus. In September 2024, he was sentenced in Germany to four years and three months in prison, and his appeal was rejected in May 2025.
Despite a formal assurance from the German Federal Prosecutor in 2023 that Ayaz would be returned to Cyprus, and despite repeated interventions by the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Cyprus, the transfer has not proceeded, with the official request still “under preparation.” This conduct is in direct breach of Framework Decision 2008/909/JHA, which mandates the enforcement of custodial sentences in the state of residence for the purpose of reintegration and protecting the rights of the convicted person.
Observatory for the Trial of Kenan Ayaz
The Observatory for the Trial of Kenan Ayaz monitors and documents all developments concerning the prosecution, conviction, and continued detention of the Kurdish political refugee in Europe.
Kenan Ayaz, a recognized political refugee in the Republic of Cyprus, is the target of political persecution and transnational repression. His trial and conviction in Germany – and especially the illegal delay of his return to Cyprus, despite Germany’s clear commitments – constitute violations of European law, an affront to refugee rights, and a threat to the political freedom of Kurds in Europe.
The Observatory documents:
- The course of the case
- The legal and political irregularities
- The role of European institutions and governments
- The urgent need for Kenan Ayaz’s immediate return to Cyprus
Kenan Ayaz’s case is not isolated. It is a symptom of a broader European crisis: the systematic targeting of Kurdish activists through judicial and policing mechanisms.
The Observatory exists to expose the truth, demand accountability, and defend freedom.
Cypriot Society Demands Justice
Cypriot society, the House of Representatives, and the wider democratic public demand the immediate return of Kenan Ayaz to Cyprus, as required by the very conditions of his extradition.
MP Giorgos Koukoumas raised the issue before Parliament with a written question to the Minister of Justice, requesting clarification regarding the ongoing breach of the extradition conditions and the unjustifiable inaction of the German authorities in facilitating Ayaz’s return to Cyprus.
The question and the Minister’s response are available at the following link:
View the question and response here
Kenan Ayaz does not ask for favours. His return to Cyprus is not up for negotiation — it is a legal obligation that some choose to ignore when it is politically inconvenient. And justice delayed is no longer justice — it becomes complicity.