Fatoş Ünal fake diploma trial examines citizenship records

In the Nicosia Heavy Penal Court, proceedings continue regarding the fake diploma investigation involving Fatoş Ünal, the former President of the UBP Girne Women's Branch. The trial has focused on two primary issues: the granting of citizenship to the partner of Serdal Gündüz, a former partner of Cyprus Health and Social Sciences University, and the authenticity of WhatsApp messages sent from Ünal’s account regarding the delivery of a thesis.

During recent testimony, a witness from the Ministry of Interior's Immigration Department, Türkan Gökbulut, detailed the citizenship process of the individual in question, noting that the process began with security clearances in May 2021 under an exceptional citizenship status.

Prosecutor Mustafa İldeniz challenged the witness's testimony, presenting records of 31 phone calls between the witness and Ünal occurring between September 2022 and January 2024. The prosecution argued that these calls coincided with the period when citizenship procedures were being processed. The witness maintained that the topic of citizenship was never discussed during these communications.