Today, 8 September, Kenan Ayaz returned to Cyprus after more than two years of detention in German holding facilities and prisons under harsh conditions. His return marks a great day for the Kurdish community in Cyprus, as well as for all those who stood in solidarity with his struggle.
His prosecution in Germany was a blow to human rights and highlighted the political targeting behind the criminalization of the Kurdish movement in Europe. From the very beginning, the issue was never personal; it concerned the collective struggle against Turkey’s genocidal policies and the silent tolerance of European states.
His return to Cyprus signals the continuation of the common struggle for freedom, dignity, and justice. Kenan never separated the freedom of Kurdistan from the struggle of the Cypriot people against the Turkish occupation. We hope that the rule of law in Cyprus will prevail over political hypocrisy.
Kenan Ayaz returned today to continue his struggle together with all of us, for a world without oppression, occupation, and genocides.
In this spirit, we call upon every democratic citizen, every collective, and every individual who resists injustice to stand by Kenan Ayaz and the Kurdish people, by participating in the solidarity gathering that will take place on Wednesday, 10 September 2025, at 18:00, outside the Central Prisons of Nicosia.
Nicosia, 8 September 2025
Observatory for the Trial of Kenan Ayaz