Istanbul’s ex-mayor faces prison in fake diploma scandal

Ekrem Imamoglu, the suspended mayor of Istanbul, faces the possibility of a lengthy prison term following the finalisation of an indictment in a high-profile case concerning the alleged falsification of his academic credentials.

The Istanbul Prosecutor General's Office concluded that Imamoglu submitted a forged diploma, prompting legal action that could see him sentenced to up to 8 years and 9 months in prison if convicted, Caliber.Az reports, citing Turkish media.

The investigation, initiated by the Istanbul Prosecutor General's Office, centers on the authenticity of Imamoglu’s university degree, which he purportedly used to meet eligibility criteria for public office. Authorities now allege that the diploma in question is not genuine, a claim that, if upheld in court, could carry significant political and legal consequences.

Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB) Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu was detained this March as part of an extensive investigation into the municipality, with police conducting searches at his residence.

The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office confirmed that a detention warrant had been issued for 100 individuals, including Imamoğlu, whom authorities have referred to as a "suspected criminal organisation leader".

Imamoğlu, a prominent opposition figure and a former presidential candidate for the Republican People’s Party (CHP), had recently faced legal scrutiny. Just a day before the raid, authorities annulled his university diploma, raising concerns among opposition supporters about the timing of the investigation.

By Vafa Guliyeva