Reaction from the Union of Turkish Bar Associations regarding 'diploma': 'It is a violation of the principle of legal certainty'

A reaction to the cancellation of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu's undergraduate diploma has also come from the Union of Turkish Bar Associations (TBB).

In the statement made by the TBB, it was said, "The annulment of an administrative act from thirty-five years ago on the grounds of nullity, without adhering to the principle of parallelism in authority and procedure, is the clearest indication that the rights to life, liberty, and property, which form the foundation of modern law, are not secure." 

The full text of the TBB's statement is as follows: 

"THE PRINCIPLE OF LEGAL CERTAINTY IS THE FOUNDATION OF THE RULE OF LAW; WE WILL NOT ALLOW ITS VIOLATION

The university board of directors' decision regarding the revocation and cancellation of the undergraduate diplomas of twenty-eight individuals, including Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, is a violation of the principle of legal certainty, which is a universal and constitutional principle. This situation is a clear threat to the fundamental rights and freedoms of all citizens who trust in the nature of the rule of law.

Legal certainty means trust, stability, and continuity in legal statuses; it is a guarantee aimed at eliminating the risks of uncertainty or unexpected changes in the application of law. The principle of legal certainty is the foundation of the rule of law.

The annulment of an administrative act from thirty-five years ago on the grounds of nullity, without adhering to the principle of parallelism in authority and procedure, is the clearest indication that the rights to life, liberty, and property, which form the foundation of modern law, are not secure.

In terms of our constitutional, political, and social order, no violation more severe than the removal of legal security can be imagined.

Standing against lawlessness, injustice, and arbitrariness is our responsibility and duty to our country and our citizens. We respectfully announce to the public that we will never give up the struggle for the rule of law.

Union of Turkish Bar Associations"