'Diploma' controversy between Ekrem İmamoğlu and Candaş Tolga Işık: Did you ask Erdoğan?

Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu responded to questions regarding changes in his resume on journalist Candaş Tolga Işık's "Az Önce Konuştum" (I Just Spoke) program. While characterizing the question as an "empty" topic, İmamoğlu took a jab at President and AKP Chairman Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, stating, "This nation has never seen the man's university friends; have you ever asked the President, did such a thing ever cross your mind?" Furthermore, addressing the investigation launched against him by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, İmamoğlu once again denied the allegations of diploma fraud.

INVESTIGATION HAD BEEN LAUNCHED

While allegations of 'irregularity' regarding İmamoğlu's transfer from Girne American University in the TRNC to Istanbul University during his undergraduate studies were brought back to the agenda, an investigation had been launched against İmamoğlu by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office.

Regarding the allegations that his diploma is fake, İmamoğlu had previously stated, referring to President Erdoğan, "If I called my university friends, I could hold a rally. But that man couldn't even find someone to play backgammon with."

"DIPLOMA" DIALOGUE ON LIVE BROADCAST

Highlights from the conversation between Ekrem İmamoğlu and Candaş Tolga Işık on the "Az Önce Konuştum" program:

İmamoğlu: This nation has never seen the man's university friends; have you ever asked the President, did such a thing ever cross your mind?

Candaş Tolga Işık: I have never been able to conduct an interview with the President.

İmamoğlu: Do it; you are on good terms, you can do it whenever you want.

Candaş Tolga Işık: I have been a journalist for 15 years and I have never been able to.

İmamoğlu: Well, it seems you aren't on good terms, so why do you go around saying you are?

Candaş Tolga Işık: I only show the same respect I show you.

İmamoğlu: I also show respect to his office.