Istanbul Mayor Imamoglu gives statement on fake diploma investigation

Ekrem Imamoglu, the Mayor of Istanbul of the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), arrived at the Istanbul Courthouse to provide his statement as part of an ongoing investigation into allegations of a fake university diploma on Wednesday. The investigation into the claims against Imamoglu is centered on accusations of forgery of official documents.

The controversy surrounding Imamoglu’s university diploma began after reports emerged claiming that the diploma was fraudulent, and a subsequent investigation was launched based on these claims.

The Higher Education Council (YOK) also prepared a report suggesting the possibility of the diploma being fake, which led to the ongoing legal process. Consequently, Imamoglu has been accused of “forgery of official documents.”

On Feb. 26, Imamoglu was called to give his statement to the prosecutor’s office. However, he requested an extension, citing his duties as the Mayor of Istanbul, which prevented him from attending on that date. The prosecutor’s office granted an extension, setting March 5 as the new deadline for him to provide his statement.

The allegations and legal process

The investigation into Imamoglu’s diploma began when allegations surfaced, claiming that his university degree was fraudulent because of dubious conditions in which he transferred from a university in the Turkish Republic of North Cyprus (TRNC) to Istanbul University. These allegations were accompanied by reports from YOK, which pointed to irregularities in the diploma.

As part of the investigation, the prosecutor’s office called on Imamoglu to provide his statement regarding the authenticity of his diploma. Furthermore, the Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office sent a letter to Istanbul University, requesting that the necessary steps be taken to ensure that any official processes involving Imamoglu’s diploma would not be unlawful, in case the allegations were proven true.

It is unclear what consequences this case may have for Imamoglu’s political career. However, his decision to cooperate with the authorities by giving a statement today shows his willingness to address the allegations head-on.