Diploma Dissolution: Akram Imamoglu's Academic Controversy

Istanbul University has annulled Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu's diploma due to alleged irregularities with YOK regulations. This action is part of a broader government crackdown on opposition figures. Imamoglu's lawyer disputes the claims, highlighting ongoing tensions between political and educational authorities.

Istanbul University has annulled the university diploma of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, citing irregularities related to the Higher Education Board's (YOK) regulations, as announced on Tuesday.

This decision occurs against the backdrop of a government crackdown targeting opposition leaders, including Imamoglu. Last week, Imamoglu's lawyer expressed to Reuters that there were no diploma irregularities and anticipated no 'illegal' decision from the authorities.

In a statement, the university detailed that it had discovered 38 individuals, Imamoglu among them, had transferred into its Management Faculty's English-language programme in 1990 under irregular conditions. As a consequence, 10 individuals had their transfers annulled, while the diplomas of the remaining 28 were invalidated.

(With inputs from agencies.)