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Istanbul University Cancels His Degree... Imamoglu Faces Repressive Measures and Refuses to Surrender
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The cancellation of his university degree and arrest procedures indicate organized attempts to remove Imamoglu from the political scene and prevent him from running in future presidential elections
Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu wrote a handwritten letter to reach the public, following his detention by Turkish security forces.
Turkish security agencies detained Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu and his media advisor on Wednesday morning. The detention order came following "investigations into a corruption case," according to our correspondent.
Imamoglu's official account on "X" platform posted a handwritten message hours after his detention. The Istanbul Mayor's letter stated: "Our nation will respond with full force to conspiracies, traps, and lies, to those who violate the rights of the people, and to those who steal the will of the people." He concluded with his distinctive handwriting: "I entrust my affairs first to God, then to our nation. With my sincere regards."
Several hours earlier, moments before his detention, Imamoglu posted a video on his official account as he was preparing to be arrested. Imamoglu declared while adjusting his tie in front of the mirror: "Hundreds of police officers have arrived at my doorstep. I surrender myself to the people." He continued: "We are facing severe repression, but I want you to know that I will not surrender."
A live broadcast from "CNN Turk" showed dozens of security forces present outside Imamoglu's residence. The channel reported that police forces were searching his home as part of ongoing investigations.
On Tuesday, Istanbul University announced the invalidation of Imamoglu's degree, one of the most prominent critics of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, which could hinder his participation in the upcoming presidential elections. The university clarified via "X" platform that the certificates obtained by 28 people, including Imamoglu, "have been invalidated due to absence and clear error."
