Breaking News: Flash move from Istanbul University regarding Ekrem İmamoğlu's diploma!

The legal process for the cancellation of the undergraduate diploma received by Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu from Istanbul University (İÜ) has officially begun.

The Istanbul University Board of Directors, with a decision taken on March 18, 2025, had cancelled the lateral transfer procedures of 28 people, including Ekrem İmamoğlu, as well as the graduations and diplomas obtained based on these procedures, citing "non-existence" and "clear error" as grounds.

With this decision taken by the university, İmamoğlu's diploma information was also completely deleted from the institution's digital database. While this development caused widespread repercussions in the public eye, all eyes turned to the legal steps to be taken by the İmamoğlu camp.

İmamoğlu's lawyer, Mehmet Pehlivan, announced on May 6, 2025, that they had applied to the Istanbul Administrative Court to file a lawsuit against Istanbul University's cancellation decision. Pehlivan also shared the decision with the public via social media.

In his post, he stated, "My client Ekrem İmamoğlu's university diploma, which he obtained in accordance with the law 31 years ago, was cancelled on March 18, 2025, in a manner contrary to the principles of the rule of law and through the abuse of administrative authority. We have applied to the Istanbul Administrative Court for the cancellation of this action, which is clearly contrary to universal legal rules, the Constitution, and administrative law."

ALL EYES ON THE COURT DECISION

Among the grounds for the cancellation decision were allegations that the lateral transfers made in the 1990s were not in accordance with the procedure and that there were deficiencies in some documents. However, the İmamoğlu side argues that these procedures were carried out in accordance with the legislation in force at that time.

With this lawsuit, the legal basis of the cancellation decision taken by the university administration has also been brought under judicial review. The decision to be made by the court could set a precedent not only for İmamoğlu but also for the other 27 people affected by the same decision.

IT HAD ALSO BEEN DELETED FROM THE ARCHIVES

Following the cancellation decision taken by the university, the diploma record and academic information belonging to İmamoğlu had also been removed from the digital archives and student information system of İÜ. This move was criticized in the public eye as a "de facto application of a nullity provision without waiting for the judicial process."

News Source: 12punto