cross-posted from: https://lemmy.ml/post/27386046

For better context in the broader timeline: Yesterday, the government pressured the university he graduated from to falsify his diploma. Law enforcement previously conducted raids and arrested various elected mayors, and is also keeping Umit Ozdag, leader of Zafer Party in jail without any reasonable justification.

Istanbul Republic Chief Prosecution Office has ordered arrest on 100 people that include politicians, journalists and businessmen, and Erdogan’s biggest rival candidate for president, Ekrem Imamoglu, who is also the current mayor of Istanbul.

  • robbinhood@lemmy.world
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    2 days ago

    From CNN:

    " The move to detain the mayor of Turkey’s largest city, a key political battleground, comes after Istanbul University said on Tuesday it had annulled Imamoglu’s degree over irregularities, dealing a blow to the opposition and dashing the mayor’s presidential ambitions.

    Without a university degree, Imamoglu of the main opposition CHP, would be disqualified from running for president.

    Imamoglu said the university’s decision was illegal and outside its jurisdiction, and that he would launch a legal challenge “The decision of the Istanbul University Board of Directors is UNLAWFUL” he said. “The days when those who made this decision will be held accountable before history and justice are near.”

    ---- Yeah Erdogan isn’t even pretending any more. Clearly just a move to take out the opposition.