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Turkish Court Rejects Istanbul Mayor Imamoglu’s Appeal Over Degree Cancellation
ISTANBUL, Jan 23, 2026 – A Turkish court on Friday rejected an appeal from Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu challenging teh annulment of his university degree, a decision that further complicates his prospects in the upcoming 2028 presidential election. The ruling represents a critically important setback for the opposition leader and a potential boon for President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
Background: Imamoglu’s legal Challenges
Ekrem Imamoglu,a prominent figure in Turkey’s opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP),has faced a series of legal challenges that critics argue are politically motivated. He is currently incarcerated, having been arrested in March 2025 pending trial on corruption charges. In July 2025, he received a seperate prison sentence for insulting a public prosecutor [Reuters].
The cancellation of Imamoglu’s university degree is particularly crucial as it disqualifies him from running for president under Turkish law, which requires presidential candidates to hold a four-year university degree. Istanbul University annulled his degree in March 2025, a move Imamoglu and his supporters have denounced as illegal and politically motivated.
Court Ruling and Appeal
Friday’s court decision upheld the university’s decision to revoke Imamoglu’s degree. His legal team has stated they will appeal the ruling, seeking to overturn the decision and restore his eligibility to run for the presidency [Reuters]. However, the chances of success remain uncertain given the current political climate.
Political Implications
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