‘Stateless’ young woman released from prison after receiving north Cyrus humanitarian residence permit

Fatoş Horuz, a 20-year-old woman who had been held in custody since 17 November for allegedly residing in north Cyprus without permission, was released after authorities granted her a humanitarian residence permit. 

Horuz, long referred to in the public as a “stateless young woman” due to her unresolved identity status, expressed overwhelming relief upon regaining her freedom.

“It was a difficult process. I can’t describe my happiness. I’m grateful to everyone who helped me,” Horuz said, speaking alongside her lawyer, Beste Dal.

Lawyer: Our efforts paid off

Attorney Beste Dal, speaking outside the Interior Ministry, said the legal team’s efforts had finally produced a result. She confirmed that Horuz was granted a one-year humanitarian residence permit, allowing her release while procedures for establishing her legal status continue.

Dal explained that Horuz will first apply for Turkish citizenship, followed by an application for TRNC citizenship, noting that her team will closely follow the process. “There are several legal avenues permitted by the legislation. Once the issue reached the public on Friday, the necessary steps began,” she said.

Horuz was born in 2005 in Girne but, due to unique circumstances within her family, received neither TRNC nor Turkish citizenship. After turning 18, she was arrested and accused of living in northern Cyprus without valid status, spending eight days in a police holding cell. She appeared before the Gazimağusa District Court on 21 November, where her detention was extended by seven days.

“I deserve TRNC citizenship”

Appearing live on the program Haber Toplantısı, Horuz described the emotional and physical challenges she faced while in custody.

“I am extremely happy. I spent eight days in detention. It was a very difficult experience,” she said.

“I deserve to receive a TRNC identity card,” she added. “I was born here, I grew up here, I studied here. I’ve spent 20 years in Cyprus. That’s why I would prefer TRNC citizenship, not Turkish citizenship.”

Horuz also shared details of her time in the holding cell, describing harsh conditions. “The cell is dark and lit by only a single bulb. The water is ice-cold. You can only order food once a day, so I mostly ate sandwiches. It’s not a place anyone can really live,” she said, adding that she had been kept alone and unable to communicate with others. “I went through all this even though I was innocent.”

“Fatoş can now obtain TRNC citizenship”

Lawyer Beste Dal reiterated that the granting of humanitarian residence was a crucial first step. “Fatoş is now in a position to receive TRNC citizenship, provided the Council of Ministers approves it,” she said.

Dal noted that necessary documents for Horuz’s Turkish citizenship application have already been submitted, though some paperwork remains incomplete. Once finalized, the application for TRNC citizenship will follow.

The case drew significant public attention, placing pressure on authorities to resolve the young woman’s long-standing legal limbo. With the humanitarian permit granted, Horuz’s path toward establishing official citizenship has officially begun.