Journalists covering the verdict in the fake diploma case of Fatma Ünal Juju, former head of the Kyrenia Women's Branch of the National Unity Party (UBP), were verbally harassed and physically attacked outside the courthouse in Nicosia after she was sentenced to five years in prison. The assailants were reportedly family members and associates of the convicted party.
The incidents took place in the courthouse courtyard in the presence of numerous police officers and court staff, raising serious concerns about the safety of press workers on duty. The affected reporters and camera operators filed official complaints at the Nicosia Police Headquarters on the same day.
The Cyprus Turkish Journalists' Union (KTGB) issued a strong statement warning that the repeated failure to hold attackers accountable had allowed hostility toward journalists to escalate into physical violence. The union called on police to swiftly complete their investigation, examine all available evidence including security footage and witness statements, and bring those responsible before the courts.
KTGB also noted that journalists following the fake diploma case had endured a prolonged campaign of pressure, including digital attacks, mass complaints, insults, threats, and coordinated social media harassment. The union warned it would launch a campaign of action should the authorities fail to respond to the latest incident.
The Press Workers' Union (Basın-Sen) likewise condemned the attacks in the strongest terms, stressing that anger over a court ruling could never justify assaulting journalists. The union called on authorities to investigate all aspects of the incidents, identify those responsible, and take immediate steps to ensure the safety of journalists carrying out their public duty.
