We note with particular satisfaction that the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Cyprus has submitted to the Larnaca District Court an official request for the recognition and enforcement of the German conviction, opening the way for Kenan Ayaz to serve his sentence in Cyprus. This step marks the first stage in fulfilling both the legal obligations and the moral duty towards the freedom fighter Kenan Ayaz.
We place a positive emphasis on the initiative of the Minister of Justice, Marios Hartsiotis, who promoted the request to the Court, responding to the persistent demand of society and to the obligations of the Republic. His determination to act institutionally and swiftly at this stage demonstrates his clear will to complete the process and ensure the immediate return of Kenan Ayaz to Cyprus.
We call on the judiciary to also do its duty, bearing in mind that our homeland has been semi-occupied and oppressed for decades. We hope it will rise to the occasion and expedite the recognition of the decision. Cyprus, which knows first-hand the price of injustice and the violation of rights, has a duty to defend the rights and freedom of a political refugee who found asylum and protection on its soil.
Any further delay in Kenan’s return to hospitable Cyprus not only prolongs his unjust detention in Germany, but also undermines the principles of the rule of law and the freedom of political expression. All of the above form part of a struggle that views the freedom of Cyprus and of Kurdistan as interconnected goals.This shared vision was expressed through the life and sacrifice of Theofilos Georgiades.
Observatory for the Trial of Kenan Ayaz