Istanbul Mayor Disqualified from Presidential Run After Diploma Revoked

Istanbul University invalidates Ekrem Imamoglu's degree, citing irregularities, in a move criticized as politically motivated.

Istanbul University has nullified Ekrem Imamoglu's 1995 diploma, alleging irregularities in his transfer from a university in Northern Cyprus.
The decision disqualifies Imamoglu, a leading opposition figure, from running for president under Turkish law, which requires candidates to hold a university degree.
Imamoglu has denounced the ruling as illegal and politically motivated, vowing to appeal the decision in court.
The Republican People’s Party (CHP) has reaffirmed its support for Imamoglu as their presidential candidate despite the diploma controversy.
Imamoglu's political career has been marked by legal challenges, including a 2022 conviction for defamation, widely seen as efforts to undermine his opposition to President Erdogan.