ISTANBUL, March 19 – Turkish opposition leader and Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu was arrested on Tuesday following the annulment of his university diploma, a move that effectively bars him from running in the country’s next presidential election.
Under Turkish law, a university degree is a prerequisite for candidacy in national elections. Istanbul University voided Imamoglu’s diploma on Monday, citing alleged irregularities in his 1990 transfer from a private university in northern Cyprus to its Faculty of Business Administration. Imamoglu has vowed to challenge the decision.
“We are facing great tyranny, but I want you to know that I will not be discouraged,” Imamoglu said in a video message posted on social media. He accused President Tayyip Erdogan’s government of attempting to “usurp the will” of the people.
The mayor’s party, the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), is set to hold a primary on Sunday, where Imamoglu was widely expected to be chosen as its candidate for future presidential elections. Turkey’s next presidential vote is scheduled for 2028, though early elections remain a possibility.
Imamoglu, a key opposition figure, faces multiple lawsuits, including allegations of attempting to influence a judicial expert investigating opposition-led municipalities. He is also appealing a 2022 conviction for allegedly insulting Türkiye’s Supreme Electoral Council, a case that could lead to a political ban.
His arrest and legal battles come amid a broader crackdown on opposition figures ahead of crucial elections. Imamoglu rose to prominence after securing a landmark victory in Istanbul’s mayoral race in 2019, ending 25 years of rule by Erdogan’s Justice and Development Party (AKP). His win was initially annulled following government claims of irregularities, leading to a rerun election that he won by a larger margin.
The 53-year-old politician retained his position as Istanbul mayor following local elections last year, as his party made significant gains against Erdogan’s ruling party.
