The first hearing of IBB Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu’s diploma case was held in Silivri. İmamoğlu is facing a prison sentence of 2 years 6 months to 8 years 9 months and a political ban on charges of “forgery of official documents”. CHP Chairman Özgür Özel and many politicians and bar association representatives watched the hearing. During his identification, İmamoğlu stated his education as “master’s degree” and his words were applauded in the hall. His lawyer Mehmet Pehlivan attended the hearing for the first time via SEGBİS but refused to make a defense as a “captive lawyer”. Stating that the accusations were political, İmamoğlu said, “This case was written by the person who knew that he would lose in the next election.” In his defense, he emphasized that the judiciary has been politicized, trust in justice has decreased and that the trial is an “extrajudicial execution”. Imamoğlu, who was frequently supported by slogans throughout the hearing, denied the charges.
September 12, 2025
Sendika.Org