Cancellation of İmamoğlu's diploma makes waves in world press... 'A move to sideline Erdoğan's strongest rival'

The cancellation of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu's undergraduate diploma has caused a widespread stir globally.

International media outlets covered the scandalous decision with the statement: "By canceling the university diploma of IMM Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, Turkey has taken a step that could sideline President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's strongest rival in the presidential race." 

REUTERS: PRESSURE ON THE OPPOSITION IS INCREASING...

The London-based Reuters news agency assessed the decision as having "come at a time when the government is increasing pressure on opposition figures." 

The report in Reuters included the following statements: 

"This decision by the university came at a time when the government is increasing pressure on opposition figures, particularly targeting İmamoğlu. Last week, İmamoğlu's lawyer told Reuters that there were no irregularities regarding the mayor's diploma and that they did not expect an 'unlawful' decision."

BLOOMBERG: A STEP THAT COULD SIDELINE HIS STRONGEST RIVAL

The cancellation of İmamoğlu's undergraduate diploma also received extensive coverage in the US-based Bloomberg. 

The report included the following statements: 

"By canceling the university diploma of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, Turkey has taken a step that could sideline President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's strongest rival in the presidential race. 

Elected mayor of Turkey's largest city in 2019, İmamoğlu further strengthened his political career with his victory against the AK Party last year. Many compare İmamoğlu's political rise to the political career of Erdoğan, which began when he served as the Mayor of Istanbul in the 1990s."

AP: POPULAR OPPOSITION FIGURE...

The Associated Press (AP) also covered the cancellation of Ekrem İmamoğlu's diploma. The report in AP used the following expressions: 

"The university has invalidated the diploma of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, a popular opposition figure and the most significant rival of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. This decision is viewed as politically motivated and aimed at preventing President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's rival from competing in the next presidential election."

News Source: 12punto