Imamoglu Faces Court Again as Diploma Trial Postponed

Detained Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor and presidential candidate of the Republican People’s Party (CHP), Ekrem İmamoğlu, appeared before a judge for the fourth time in the ongoing “forgery of official documents” case concerning his university diploma. The court adjourned the trial until July 6.

İmamoğlu entered the courtroom to applause before proceedings began. The presiding judge reminded him that the previous session had been postponed pending developments in a related administrative court case, noting that a decision had been issued but had not yet become final. The judge then asked whether he wished to add to his prior defense. İmamoğlu confirmed that he did.

Strong Remarks Ahead of Ramadan

In his statement, İmamoğlu noted that the hearing coincides with the start of Ramadan.

“Thank you, Your Honor. This week, we enter the month of Ramadan. Unfortunately, we are experiencing exhausting and unfortunate situations like this. Ramadan is a month of abundance; it awakens the conscience. It is a time when people reflect on power and status, on wealth and poverty, and turn to the Creator. It is an opportunity to feel equality among people. Yet it is saddening that the mentality that annulled the 2019 election during Ramadan has now annulled my diploma in 2025, again during Ramadan, and we are going through a trial process filled with lies and slander. My hope is limited, but I still wish that, for the sake of our country and judicial system, this case can evolve into a healthy process. We will once again meet during Ramadan in this ‘ugly case.’ Many things once thought impossible are being made possible within the judiciary during this period.”

He continued with criticism of what he described as the misuse of faith and judicial processes, adding, “I pray that God grants wisdom to these people. I hope that those who have reached high offices learn restraint in their language. I also wish that those acting in the name of justice understand how immoral it is to engage in backroom dealings, set traps, and target people’s families. Faith is lived in the mind and heart; it does not need to be displayed.”

“A Political History Marked by Disgraceful Trials”

İmamoğlu argued that Turkey’s political history includes trials that have sought to undermine democratic will.

“Our nation’s political history is unfortunately filled with disgraceful cases aimed at imprisoning democracy, the will of the people, and hope. Today, we are here with such a scandalous indictment that I feel ashamed of the situation into which the Turkish judiciary has been placed. I do not know what is planned, but this chain of cases has produced trials never before seen in our history. We are going through a period where judges are being replaced, and my right to a fair trial is being violated, based on a worthless indictment.”

He also alleged that the prosecutor who drafted the indictment was later appointed to a higher judicial position, claiming that the case was rooted in political fear.

“I Stand Here with My Head Held High”

İmamoğlu linked the legal proceedings to his electoral victories.

“The main reason for all this is clear: fear. I am here because I won four elections against the current ruling mentality and because I will win the next ones. I am here because they see the clean support I have in the hearts of our nation. My bond with the people is not fake; it is sincere and genuine. Seventy percent of our nation stands with me. With the strength given by my citizens, I stand here with my head held high and my conscience clear. But the damage is being done to our nation and our future. You have shattered trust in justice; more than 80 percent of people no longer believe in it.”

He further criticized the presidential system of governance, describing it as centralized and detrimental to institutional balance.

“An Unlawful and Invalid Process”

İmamoğlu claimed the legal proceedings were politically motivated and invalid.

“This process, both before and after March 19, is trash. It is unlawful and invalid. Positions gained through this process are not earned by merit. Those who benefit from it will eventually face fair courts. This period of stagnation will end, and 86 million citizens will prevail. The time is not distant; it is near.”

In his closing remarks, he maintained his innocence and accused certain media outlets of acting in coordination against him.

“I stand on the side of truth and will never change that position. There is no other life that has been scrutinized as much as mine. I come here from a 12-square-meter cell. Such isolation has never been experienced in history. Whatever we have done, we are in this isolation. You say no microbe can enter between us, but let me say this clearly: the microbe is among you.”