The Justice Ministry has submitted a formal request to Larnaca District Court for recognition and enforcement of the sentence imposed on Kenan Ayaz by a German court, aiming to enable him to serve the remainder of his sentence in Cyprus.
The Observatory for the Trial of Kenan Ayaz announced the development, describing the move as “the first step” towards fulfilling both legal obligations and moral duty towards Ayaz, whom it characterises as a “freedom fighter”.
The statement attributes a “positive sign” to the initiative by Justice Minister Marios Hartsiotis, noting that he responded to society’s request and moved “institutionally and quickly” to ensure Ayaz’s return to Cyprus.
Observatory calls for swift court action
The Observatory calls on the judiciary to expedite recognition of the decision, citing Cyprus’s semi-occupied status and the need to defend the rights and freedom of a political refugee who had found asylum on the island.
“Any extension of the 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 freedom of political expression,” the statement said.
The Observatory concluded by linking the case to broader struggles, stating: “All of the above constitute a continuation of a struggle that sees the freedom of Cyprus and Kurdistan as interconnected goals. This common vision was expressed through the life and sacrifice of Theophilos Georgiades”.
