The first hearing of the lawsuit filed by Ekrem İmamoğlu, who was removed from his position as Mayor of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, against the revocation of his university diploma was held on January 15 at the Istanbul 5th Administrative Court. The court panel announced that it would complete its assessment within 15 days and notify the parties of its decision. The hearing was held at the Marmara Closed Prison campus in Silivri. Clashes broke out during security measures before the hearing and around the courtroom.
Before the hearing, clashes broke out between the gendarmerie and those present in and outside the courtroom.
Asalettin Arslanoğlu, Istanbul Regional Representative of the Revolutionary Workers’ Union Confederation (DİSK), who went to Silivri to observe the hearing, said he was subjected to harsh intervention by security guards. Arslanoğlu told the press that he was beaten and his glasses were broken during the scuffle that broke out after a security barricade was set up at the Nizamiye Gate of the Silivri Campus and people were prevented from entering. The CHP announced that Yasemin Ünlü, the head of the CHP Çatalca Women’s Branch, suffered broken ribs during the scuffle in front of the courtroom. Ünlü was transferred to Silivri State Hospital after receiving initial treatment at Marmara Correctional Institutions Hospital.
The Bakırköy Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office has launched an investigation into the incident.
January 15, 2026
BBC Turkish