Court Convenes First Hearing in İmamoğlu Diploma Case
The first hearing in the case against Ekrem İmamoğlu, Mayor of Istanbul and presidential candidate of the Republican People’s Party (CHP), on charges of falsifying his university diploma, was held in the courtroom of Silivri Prison. The session, which began about an hour later than scheduled, was attended by his family, party colleagues, university friends, and supporters.
İmamoğlu entered the courtroom to chants of “President İmamoğlu” and several minutes of standing applause from those present. Özgür Özel, leader of the Republican People’s Party, also entered the hall to chants of “Rights, Law, Justice,” accompanied by a number of senior party officials.
During the proceedings, the judge read a summary of the indictment, prompting İmamoğlu’s objection. He described the charges as politically motivated and unfounded, likening the trial process to an atmosphere of political pressure and restrictions reminiscent of the period following the September 12, 1980 coup in Turkey.
In his defense, İmamoğlu pointed to declining public trust in state institutions and the judiciary, stressing that he would not allow “hope” in society to be extinguished. He also expressed his gratitude to Özgür Özel for his support.
Referring to the nickname “full of love,” used by his critics to mock him, İmamoğlu said he embraced the label with pride, viewing it as a reflection of his humane and peace-oriented approach. He emphasized that even under difficult conditions and political pressure, he would not abandon the principles and values he believes in, and would continue on a path grounded in compassion, solidarity, and respect for the people.
The case will continue in subsequent hearings.
