New data shared by İmamoğlu's lawyer regarding 'diploma' investigation: 'It would be unlawful'

Mehmet Pehlivan made notable remarks in a statement he shared on his social media account.

Pehlivan stated the following in his post:

“The basis of the “diploma” investigation conducted against Mr. Ekrem İmamoğlu is a research report prepared by the Higher Education Supervisory Board. Although the report acknowledges that Mr. İmamoğlu met the criteria in effect in 1990, the year he transferred, it claims that Girne American University, where the transfer took place, was recognized by the Council of Higher Education (YÖK) in 1993, and therefore the transfer process that took place in 1990 was irregular. It appears that the legal debate regarding the diploma—which should not actually exist—will be shaped around the concept of “recognition.”

“WE REQUESTED AN EXPERT OPINION”

We have our own arguments and evidence that we have shared with the public regarding this debate. However, in order to clarify what the matter entails in terms of independent and impartial scientific doctrines, we requested a scientific opinion from several leading academics in the field of administrative law. I am sharing with you the scientific opinion prepared by our esteemed professors Prof. Dr. Metin Günday, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çiğdem Sever, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ayhan Tekinsoy. It is gratifying that the defense we have developed as Mr. İmamoğlu's lawyers is parallel to the views of our veteran professors. The important points that caught my attention in the scientific opinion are as follows:

The provisions of the Regulation dated 21/10/1982 should have been applied to the transfer processes carried out in 1990, the Council of Higher Education did not have the authority to make a decision regarding recognition or non-recognition in terms of transfer processes in 1990, there was no determination or general or specific decision by the Council of Higher Education stating that Girne American University was not recognized at the time the transfer processes were established, decisions taken by the Council of Higher Education regarding non-recognition after the completion of transfer processes cannot have retroactive effect, and that the diplomas obtained by individuals who gained student status after a transfer process established in accordance with the law, by fulfilling the obligations of the program they enrolled in, constitute a vested right, and any action taken by the administration that would result in the diplomas being deemed invalid would be clearly contrary to the law.”

Pehlivan also shared the link to the report in question. 

"Yatay Geçiş Hakkında Bilimsel Görüşün Sunumu"

Sayın Ekrem İmamoğlu hakkında yürütülen “diploma” soruşturmasının dayanağı, Yükseköğretim Denetleme Kurulu tarafından hazırlanan bir araştırma raporudur.

Raporda her ne kadar Sayın İmamoğlu’nun yatay geçiş yaptığı 1990 yılında…

— Mehmet Pehlivan (@mehmettpehlivan) March 5, 2025

News Source: 12punto