Newsroom
Kenan Ayaz has been released from Cyprus’s Central Prisons nearly three years after his detention, following a decision allowing his release after completing two-thirds of his sentence.
According to a statement from the Observatory monitoring his case, Ayaz was freed around four months earlier than his expected release date. The release was approved through a decision by the President of the Republic.
The Observatory reported that neither Ayaz nor his defense team filed a request for early release, as he continues to deny the legitimacy of his conviction and insists he did not commit any criminal offense. Supporters argue that the case is linked to his political beliefs rather than criminal wrongdoing.
At the same time, authorities reportedly resolved his residency status. The Deputy Ministry of Migration and International Protection arranged his permit to remain in Cyprus and renewed his political refugee status, which the Observatory states had never been revoked.
Ayaz’s lawyer, Efstathios Efstathiou, described the release as an important step but stressed that the broader legal process is still ongoing. He noted that the case remains pending before the European Court of Human Rights, where a ruling is expected on alleged violations of rights.
Efstathiou argued that Ayaz’s imprisonment raised serious concerns about political persecution and fundamental freedoms, adding that justice requires full restoration rather than only release from custody.
In its announcement, the Observatory also referred to Ayaz’s past imprisonment in Turkey, claiming he spent 17 years in Turkish prisons without trial and remains at risk due to threats from the Turkish state. It also alleged that his arrest in Cyprus in March 2023 took place without evidence supporting the commission of a criminal act.
Supporters further claim his conviction was influenced by political pressure connected to Turkey and describe his case as part of a wider struggle for Kurdish rights.
Following his release, Ayaz reportedly visited the grave of Theofilos Georgiadis to pay tribute and to reaffirm his commitment to what supporters describe as the ongoing fight for freedom in both Cyprus and Kurdistan.
The Observatory welcomed his release, thanked those who supported the campaign in Cyprus and abroad, and stated that the broader struggle for justice, democracy, and human rights continues.
