Philenews

Justice Minister, What Will Happen to Kenan?

Published February 10, 2026, 09:27
Justice Minister, What Will Happen to Kenan?

Kurdish activist Kenan Ayas, recognized as a political refugee in the Republic of Cyprus, remains in Central Prison since September 2025. In Germany, he could have been released in January 2026 after serving two-thirds of his sentence for alleged participation in a 'terrorist organization.' However, in Cyprus, the PKK is not on the list of terrorist organizations. The Cypriot government, especially the Ministry of Justice, appears apathetic to Ayas's case, and the President of the Republic has shown no willingness to request his release. The article questions the reasons for Ayas's detention and whether Cyprus is involved in interstate repression. The author emphasizes that the act for which Ayas was convicted is not a crime in Cyprus and questions to whom the Cypriot government is accountable. The continued detention of Ayas is considered an insult to the Kurdish people and their struggle, as well as the implementation of Turkish policies. The article concludes by criticizing the Cypriot government's lack of willingness to improve Ayas's situation, leaving him imprisoned without a clear prospect of release.