The final plea of Kurdish activist Kenan Ayaz commenced in the Hamburg Regional High Court amid a highly charged atmosphere. The courtroom was packed, and among those present was Efstathios Efstathiou, on the side of the defence team.
Ayaz, who stands accused of membership in a terrorist organisation, specifically the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), began his plea by asserting that the indictment “deviously obscures the genocidal mentality of the Turkish state towards the Kurds and other peoples.”
He highlighted the systematic terrorist attacks perpetrated by Turkey against the Kurdish people. In his words, he emphasised that the Kurds’ struggle for existence and freedom and the legitimate defensive resistance in the face of this genocide, is been treated through this indictment as terrorism.
He went on to characterise it as scandalous that a full-blown genocidal campaign is being treated merely as a limited violation of human rights.
In his words, “The European Union is violating its own conventions through the procedures it employs against Kurdish politicians and activists.”
Ayaz continued, “The EU must place the Kurdish issue at the forefront of its agenda and recognise it as Turkey’s primary problem, one that needs to be resolved in accordance with the European Convention on Human Rights.”
He then criticised the EU, stating, “Thus far, the Union has applied double standards and refrained from enforcing its own laws on this matter for what seem to be political reasons.” To emphasise his point, Ayaz recounted moments from Kurdish history to illuminate the struggle of his people.
However, at this juncture, the presiding judge interrupted Ayaz’s plea, accusing him of “abusing” his right to deliver a final statement.
Undeterred, the Kurdish activist responded passionately, saying that he wanted to prove that the Kurds are not terrorists and have, in fact, made significant contributions to human civilisation. He continued, “A people who have contributed so much to culture and society should not be treated in such an unjust manner.”
“Why must Kurds constantly prove their existence?”
Ayaz went on to pose a poignant question: “Even after 50 years of struggle, the Kurds are still forced to prove that they are not terrorists.” He contrasted this noting that other peoples’ rights are acknowledged, yet those of the Kurds are consistently denied.
“I am not a terrorist,” he declared emphatically. He then pointed the finger at Turkish President Erdogan, labelling him as “the biggest terrorist of the 21st century.” Ayaz continued, “Together with the Islamic State, he has plunged the entire Middle East into a bloodbath, and for that, he should be put on trial.”
With conviction, Ayaz asserted, “I have harmed no one, insulted no one, yet red carpets are rolled out for Erdogan,” once again accusing the EU of employing double standards.
Why has Germany not advocated for a political solution to the Kurdish issue?
Addressing the court, Ayaz questioned why Germany, which recognised the genocide of the Yazidis in Sinjar, has failed to actively work towards a political solution to the Kurdish issue.
He directed his words at the German judges, saying, “For 30 years, I have repeatedly gone to courts, striving to obtain the very rights with which you were born.”
With visible emotion, he spoke of the burning of 4,000 Kurdish villages by Turkey, the bombing of Kurdish cities, and the killing of 20,000 Kurds.
“They slaughter us, sell us in slave markets, burn us in cages, yet you do not bring the perpetrators to justice. Instead, you put to trial those who dare to rebel against this injustice,” he said.
Ayaz’s speech was impassioned and rapid, and the interpreter struggled to convey the full extent of his words. Unmoved, the presiding judge characterised his statement as an insult to both her and German justice.
Kenan Ayaz will continue his plea on Monday, July 24, with further hearings scheduled for July 29 and August 19. The trial is taking place on the first floor of the Hamburg Regional High Court, at Sievekingplatz 3, with Courtrooms 237 and 288 being utilised.
For more information on the trial and related demonstrations taking place in Cyprus and Germany, visit kenanwatch.org, which provides updates in Greek, English, and German.
