Dialogos

“Politicians Don't Give Instructions to the Judiciary,” Erhurman Says Regarding Fake Degree Case

Published January 27, 2026, 14:00
“Politicians Don't Give Instructions to the Judiciary,” Erhurman Says Regarding Fake Degree Case

Tufan Erhurman, leader of the Turkish Cypriot community, stated that politicians should not give instructions to the judiciary, following strong reactions in the occupied territories regarding the fake degree case. The statement came after the intervention of the “Supreme Court,” which reminded the “legislative and executive powers” of their limits. Mr. Erhurman emphasized that the principle of “justice speaking through its decisions” is generally accepted and that politicians should show sensitivity so as not to force the judiciary to express itself outside of its decisions. He stressed that the “court” felt the need to clarify that politicians cannot give instructions or claim to grant power to the judiciary. The intervention of the “Supreme Court” came in response to statements by “Prime Minister” Unal Ustel, who had said that he “gave full power to the police and the judiciary,” a phrase interpreted as an insult to the separation of powers. The issue is linked to the case of the false degree of Fatma Unal, a member of the National Unity Party (KEE), and her personal relationship with the “Prime Minister.” A witness testified that the “President” of the “Parliament” ordered the issuance of the degree, offering “citizenships” of the pseudo-state in return.