13.09.2025 15:01
The suspended Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB) President Ekrem İmamoğlu appeared before the judge in the fake diploma case. İmamoğlu, who drew significant attention with the messages he delivered during the hearing and the dialogues he established with the audience, faced criticism from Presidential Chief Advisor Oktay Saral: "Is this a hearing or a movie scene?"
Ekrem İmamoğlu, who was removed from the position of Mayor of Istanbul due to a corruption investigation, appeared in court yesterday in the fake diploma case.
The messages he conveyed in the courtroom, his actions, and the dialogues he established with the audience drew attention. The hearing, where İmamoğlu was frequently applauded, also became a trending topic on social media.
REACTION FROM THE PRESIDENT'S CHIEF ADVISOR
Following these images, President's Chief Advisor Oktay Saral reacted to the court proceedings. In a statement on his social media account, Saral said, "Is this a hearing or a movie scene? I have never seen such a disgrace. What kind of court is this!? I have no doubt that our esteemed Minister of Justice will do what is necessary!"
WHAT HAPPENED IN THE HEARING?
Ekrem İmamoğlu appeared before the judge in the prison courtroom in Silivri as part of the diploma case. İmamoğlu entered the courtroom to applause and slogans of "President İmamoğlu." After the judge read the indictment, İmamoğlu made his defense. The court was then adjourned. During the break, Ekrem İmamoğlu answered questions from journalists. İmamoğlu also gave his tie to Özgür Çelik, the former Istanbul Provincial Chairman who was appointed as a trustee, during the hearing. İmamoğlu's actions became a topic of discussion on social media.