Story perspectives

Court Denies Imamoglu's Degree Appeal, Threatens 2028 Bid

1/23/2026

Summary

Story summary

A court rejected jailed Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu's lawsuit to overturn the cancellation of his university degree, hindering his 2028 presidential bid.
Imamoglu has been imprisoned since March on corruption charges and received a sentence for insulting the chief prosecutor.
His legal team will appeal the ruling.
The opposition, including the Republican People's Party, calls the decision politically motivated, while President Tayyip Erdogan's government says the judiciary is independent.

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Story summary

A court rejected jailed Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu's lawsuit to overturn the cancellation of his university degree, hindering his 2028 presidential bid.
Imamoglu has been imprisoned since March on corruption charges and received a sentence for insulting the chief prosecutor.
His legal team will appeal the ruling.
The opposition, including the Republican People's Party, calls the decision politically motivated, while President Tayyip Erdogan's government says the judiciary is independent.