Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu Arrested Amid Intensifying Political and Legal Challenges

Following the annulment of his diploma, Imamoglu faces corruption charges and accusations of PKK ties, complicating his 2028 presidential candidacy.

Ekrem Imamoglu, Istanbul's mayor and a leading opposition figure to President Erdogan, was arrested on March 19, 2025, on corruption charges and alleged connections to the PKK.
The University of Istanbul annulled Imamoglu's diploma, citing 'nullity and manifest error,' which could jeopardize his eligibility for the 2028 presidential election under constitutional requirements.
Imamoglu has denounced the diploma annulment as 'illegal' and plans to challenge it in court, though he has expressed doubts about the judiciary's independence.
The CHP leadership has reaffirmed Imamoglu as their candidate for the 2028 presidential election, despite mounting legal and institutional obstacles.
The developments occur in a broader context of accusations against Erdogan, including claims of falsifying his own diploma, and ongoing concerns about judicial interference in Turkish politics.