Fake Diploma Suspect Meray Dürüst Released on Bail

Following the investigation into the "fake diploma" allegations at the Cyprus Health and Social Sciences University (KSTU), Meray Dürüst, the Director of the Ministry of Labor and Social Security, was released on bail pending trial.

Meray Dürüst, who is being tried for "instigating the preparation of fake documents" and "circulating fake official documents," appeared before the court again today after his 3-day detention.

The court decided to release Meray Dürüst on bail of 100,000 TL cash, with two individuals signing a surety bond of 750,000 TL each. Additionally, Meray Dürüst was imposed with a travel ban and a requirement to report to the nearest police station once a week to ensure his attendance at future court hearings.

During the hearing presided over by Judge Zehra Yalkut Bilgeç, the investigation officer provided information about the investigation conducted from last Friday until today.

The investigation officer stated that Meray Dürüst, who was enrolled in the Psychology Department but graduated without attending classes in the 3rd and 4th years, had his diploma approved by the Ministry of National Education. Subsequently, he submitted it to the Ministry of Labor and Social Security, where he was employed, and to the Personnel Department for a salary increase. However, the request for a salary increase was not implemented due to Meray Dürüst's position as a director.

The investigation officer also mentioned that Meray Dürüst's claims of attending summer school and upper-level courses were found to be untrue. It was revealed that for Meray Dürüst to graduate from the department, he needed to pass 61 courses, but 38 of these courses, for which he did not pass, were fraudulently entered into the university system as passed.

Furthermore, the investigation officer stated that it was determined that Meray Dürüst was shown as successful in some courses without even registering for them.

The investigation officer also reported that the grades were validated by the detained university director S.G. The investigation officer stated that a total of 13 statements have been taken as part of the investigation so far, including statements from university professors confirming that Meray Dürüst did not attend classes.

Subsequently, the investigation officer requested the release of the suspect on bail as the phase where the suspect could influence the investigation process had been completed.

Judge Zehra Yalkut Bilgeç announced the decision to release the suspect on bail, requiring Meray Dürüst to pay 100,000 TL cash as bail, sign two surety bonds of 750,000 TL each, impose a travel ban, and require him to report to the nearest police station once a week.

Meanwhile, the suspect Kemal Dürüst, who was arrested on the same day, will appear before the court in Güzelyurt today.