Cyprus Times

Erhiyurman on Fake Degrees: Politicians Should Not Interfere with Justice

Published January 27, 2026, 13:07
Erhiyurman on Fake Degrees: Politicians Should Not Interfere with Justice

Tufan Erhiyurman, leader of the Turkish Cypriot community, stated that politicians should not interfere with the judiciary, responding to a heated dispute that erupted in the occupied territories regarding the case of fake degrees. This statement followed a statement from the "Supreme Court" emphasizing that its power derives exclusively from the "constitution" and laws, and that no political power can give instructions or grant powers to the courts. The dispute began after statements by "Prime Minister" Unal Ustel, who said he had given "full power" to the police and the judiciary, which was interpreted as an insult to the separation of powers. The case is linked to a fake degree scandal involving a member of the ruling party and allegedly connected to the "President" of the "Assembly", with allegations of a direct order to issue the degree and an offer of "citizenship" in return.