Former ruling party official sentenced to five years for fake degree scandal

On October 27, 2026, a court in occupied Nicosia sentenced Fatma Unal, a former high-ranking official of the ruling National Unity Party (UBP), to five years in prison. The sentencing follows her conviction on all 16 charges related to a scandal involving fake diplomas at the Cyprus Health and Social Sciences University in occupied Morphou. The charges included the preparation and circulation of forged official documents, conspiracy, and the unauthorized issuance of academic credentials.

The court emphasized the significant damage caused to the integrity of higher education in the region. Immediately following the verdict, Unal was handcuffed and taken to prison. As she was being removed from the courtroom, her relatives reportedly attacked and verbally abused members of the press covering the event. This case is part of a broader investigation that began in 2024 into the systemic falsification of academic records in the territory. Unal, who previously led the party's women's organization in Kyrenia, is reportedly a close associate of the current leader Unal Ustel.