Proceedings concerning Kurdish activist Kenan Ayaz are continuing before the European Court of Human Rights, according to his lawyer, Efstathios Efstathiou.
Speaking to the Cyprus News Agency, Efstathiou said that although Ayaz has been released after three and a half years in custody, the case itself remains unresolved.
“After three and a half years of deprivation of his liberty, Kenan Ayaz has been released. His release is an important development and a step forward, but it is not the end of the case of the Kurdish people. His case remains pending before the European Court of Human Rights and his full vindication remains the objective,” he said.
Efstathiou explained that an application was lodged with the Strasbourg court immediately after an appeal against Ayaz’s conviction was dismissed. The conviction resulted in a prison sentence of four years and three months.
“The application addresses issues of fair trial under the Convention, as well as the right to freedom of assembly and association,” he said. A decision is expected shortly on whether the application will be declared admissible, as part of the Court’s initial review process.
Responding to questions about Ayaz’s legal status, Efstathiou said that, under a decision by the competent ministry and in accordance with the Refugee Convention, Ayaz has not lost the international protection status granted to him by the Republic of Cyprus. His residence permit has been renewed and he continues to benefit from international protection while residing in the country.
“As the legal struggle for his vindication continues, Kenan Ayaz himself continues his struggle for a free Cyprus and a free Kurdistan,” Efstathiou added.
Asked how Ayaz had experienced the case personally, Efstathiou described him as “a remarkable man and an idealist, who has inspired many people, both Kurds and Europeans”. He added that Ayaz believes his release does not mark the end of the matter. “The end will come when the goals of the Kurdish people are achieved,” he said.
Efstathiou further noted that Ayaz’s attention is currently focused on north-eastern Syria, particularly Rojava, referring to what he described as an ongoing genocide in the region. He said Ayaz looks to the future with optimism, believing that Kurdistan and Cyprus - which he regards as his second homeland - will ultimately be free.