Ekrem İmamoğlu’s Diploma Revoked: Controversy and Legal Challenges

İmamoğlu’s Diploma Revocation: Political Implications and Legal Challenges

Background
Ekrem İmamoğlu, the mayor of Istanbul and a prominent figure in Turkey’s main opposition party, the Republican People’s Party (CHP), was expected to be the party’s candidate for the presidency. Often seen as President Erdoğan‘s strongest rival, one of the key requirements for becoming the president in Turkey is holding a university degree. However, a recent decision by Istanbul University’s Board has brought his qualification into question.

Diploma Revoked
On Tuesday, the Istanbul University Management Board convened to discuss the situation surrounding İmamoğlu’s diploma. They announced that İmamoğlu’s diploma, along with those of 28 other individuals, had been revoked. The revocation was based on the grounds of “nullity” and “clear mistake.” This move comes at a critical time, as İmamoğlu, seen as President Erdoğan’s strongest rival for the presidency, prepares to challenge him in the upcoming elections.

Official Announcement
In an official statement, the University said that the decision was made in accordance with an investigation that involved the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office and the Higher Education Supervisory Board’s report. The inquiry revealed that in 1990, 38 students, including İmamoğlu, were granted lateral transfers to Istanbul University’s Business Faculty without following the proper procedures. Although 10 of those students had their records erased, 28 individuals, including İmamoğlu, had their diplomas revoked based on “nullity” and “clear mistake.”

The university has also announced that further investigations are ongoing regarding lateral transfers across all faculties.

İmamoğlu’s Response
Following the decision, İmamoğlu responded by calling the university’s decision unlawful, stating that only the Business Faculty Board had the authority to revoke his diploma, not the University Management. He firmly expressed that those responsible for this decision would be held accountable in the future, emphasizing the importance of justice, democracy, and the people’s movement. He concluded with a slogan, “There is no salvation alone!”

CHP’s Response
Özgür Özel, the leader of the CHP, condemned the decision, labeling it a “stain.” He reassured supporters that they would not be demotivated and that İmamoğlu would remain the party’s candidate. According to Özel, the decision was politically motivated rather than legally justified, and they would respond politically.

Mansur Yavaş’s Statement
Another key figure in the CHP, Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavaş, also addressed the issue. He announced that he would suspend his own presidential candidacy decision until the situation with İmamoğlu’s diploma is resolved, stating that he would revisit his candidacy when the “illegality” is corrected.

Legal Action Expected
İmamoğlu is expected to challenge the university’s decision in the administrative courts. His lawyer, Mehmet Pehlivan, argued that the university did not have the authority to revoke the diploma, as only the faculty could make such a decision.

The Initial Investigation
This controversy stemmed from an earlier investigation by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, which was initiated after claims about İmamoğlu’s diploma being forged. İmamoğlu graduated from Istanbul University’s English Business Department in 1994 after transferring from Girne American University. Although his diplomas were shared on social media by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM), the legitimacy of these qualifications has been questioned.

Legal Challenges and Investigations
İmamoğlu has faced multiple lawsuits and investigations since his victory in the 2019 Istanbul elections. Among the accusations against him are charges related to “insulting a public official,” “corruption in tenders,” and “misuse of office.” Recently, several political cases have been brought against him, including a prominent one regarding accusations of insults toward the members of the Supreme Election Board (YSK). A court sentenced him to 2 years, 7 months, and 15 days in prison, with the condition that if upheld, the sentence would result in a political ban. However, the decision is currently under appeal.

Recent Investigations
Imamoğlu has also been the subject of investigations for remarks made during a conference about political policies and the politicization of the judiciary. He allegedly targeted and threatened officials in his statements, leading to a new investigation that sought a political ban.

Ongoing Legal Cases
İmamoğlu is also facing a “tender rigging” trial from his time as the Mayor of Beylikdüzü, with a potential sentence of 3 to 7 years in prison. The trial is scheduled for April 11, 2025. Additionally, a separate investigation regarding “unauthorized spending” has been initiated in 2024.