Ministry denies special prison treatment for Fatma Ünal

In a statement on Wednesday, the ministry said Ünal was transferred to the prison after being sentenced on October 27. It maintained that no treatment or arrangements concerning her breached the laws and regulations governing the institution.

The statement followed a report by Yenidüzen alleging that a separate room had been prepared for Ünal before her sentencing. The newspaper claimed the accommodation included a private bathroom, television and separate garden. The ministry rejected the allegations of a special room and preferential treatment.

Ünal, a former head of the National Unity Party’s (UBP) Girne women’s branch, was sentenced to five years in prison by the Lefkoşa Assize Court on Tuesday.

She was found guilty on all 16 counts arising from the investigation into fraudulent qualifications at the Cyprus Health and Social Sciences University (KSTU).

The offences included forging official documents, circulating forged documents, inciting their preparation and issuing documents without authority.

In its sentencing remarks, the court highlighted the harm caused by obtaining a master’s qualification without undertaking the required academic work. It rejected Ünal’s defence that she had no involvement in the university’s irregular procedures, citing witness testimony, electronic correspondence and university records.