First statement from İmamoğlu after his lawsuit to cancel diploma revocation is rejected: 'It is as pure as my mother's milk!'

The lawsuit filed by CHP's imprisoned presidential candidate and Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, whose university diploma was revoked on March 18, 2025, was rejected by the Istanbul 5th Administrative Court by a unanimous vote.

The decision stated in summary:

“According to the information, documents, and findings in the case file, due to the fact that the personnel of the defendant administration (Istanbul University) acted in a conscious, systematic, and organized manner during the lateral transfer process, there were instances of severe and clear illegality; our court has concluded that the plaintiff's (İmamoğlu) good faith is absent, that it cannot be expected that the plaintiff was unaware of the severe legal defects and erroneous situations in the lateral transfer process, and that this is not in accordance with the ordinary flow of life; that even after the lateral transfer, the care expected to be shown in informing the administration was neglected; therefore, considering the intensity, level, and nature of the aforementioned illegalities that led to the clear error, as well as the failure to fulfill the duty of good faith and care regarding the transfer process and thereafter, the erroneously executed lateral transfer process can be revoked by the administration at any time regardless of the time elapsed; thus, there is no illegality in the subject of the lawsuit, the Istanbul University Board of Directors' decision dated 18/03/2025 and numbered 3/1, regarding the revocation of the graduation and diploma, which are gains based on the lateral transfer process.”

İmamoğlu, who has been imprisoned in Silivri Prison since March 23, 2025, broke his silence after the rejection of the cancellation lawsuit. İmamoğlu, who made a statement through his lawyers, had his message published by the Presidential Candidate Office account.

İmamoğlu included the following statements in his declaration:

“My diploma, which is as pure as my mother's milk, continues to be usurped through clear lawlessness.

I condemn this decision, which disregards conscience, morality, and justice. Those who have dragged the Supreme Turkish Judiciary to this point will bear the historical responsibility for abusing their duties and powers; they will be remembered with shame for the damage they have caused to the principle of the rule of law. What is happening will go down in our judicial history as a black stain.

I am speaking clearly to those who set their sights on my 35-year-old diploma, the nation's title deed, its property, and assets; who target personal rights and make slander and lies their method; and who disregard the family and social sanctities:

Our nation will definitively condemn this dark order, this politicized understanding of the judiciary, and the handful of ambitious people who use public power for their own interests at the ballot box, and will restore law and democracy.

My belief in this is unshakable.

I am determined. I am strong with the support of my nation.”

My diploma, which is as pure as my mother's milk, continues to be usurped through clear lawlessness.

I condemn this decision, which disregards conscience, morality, and justice. Those who have dragged the Supreme Turkish Judiciary to this point will bear the historical responsibility for abusing their duties and powers;…

— Presidential Candidate Office (@CAOIletisim) January 24, 2026

News Source: 12punto