Ekrem Imamoglu, the imprisoned mayor of Istanbul and prominent opposition figure in Turkey, appeared in court on Friday to face charges of allegedly falsifying his university degree, a case many critics view as politically motivated.

Imamoglu, who is widely considered the main opposition candidate capable of defeating President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in a national election, was arrested on March 19 as part of a corruption investigation.

He was jailed days later, triggering Turkey’s largest street protests in over a decade.

Just before his arrest, Istanbul University revoked his degree, claiming it had been fraudulently obtained, a serious allegation under Turkish law, since a higher education qualification is required to run for president.

The hearing was held at Silivri Courthouse, located within the same prison complex 80 km west of Istanbul where Imamoglu is currently being held.

He is accused of “repeated falsification of official documents” related to his academic records.

As Imamoglu entered the courtroom shortly before noon, supporters in attendance clapped, cheered, and chanted “President Imamoglu,” according to video footage shared by Turkish media.

Addressing the court, Imamoglu explained that he initially gained admission to a university in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), a territory recognized only by Ankara, when he was 18.

He later transferred to Istanbul University, completing his degree in business management in 1995, in full compliance with Turkey’s Council of Higher Education regulations.

“I met all the requirements for a horizontal transfer, was accepted, studied, and graduated,” he said.

“What exactly is my crime? What fraud? This indictment is absurd. Will they now deny the existence of TRNC just to invalidate my degree?”

His remarks were widely shared by journalists and his legal team on social media platform X (formerly Twitter).

Imamoglu’s lawyer, Mehmet Pehlivan, who is also currently jailed, joined the session online. He refused to mount a defense, citing the court’s refusal to let him meet his client.

He requested to be physically present at the next hearing, a request the judge said would be considered.

Prosecutors are demanding up to eight years and nine months in prison for Imamoglu and a ban on political activity.

His office previously published a copy of his 1995 Istanbul University degree in response to media scrutiny.

This trial is one of several legal battles Imamoglu is facing. In June, he went to court over comments questioning the integrity of Istanbul’s chief public prosecutor, charges which include “threatening” and “insulting a public official.”

He is also on trial for allegedly trying to influence a court by criticizing a court-appointed expert involved in a separate corruption case targeting several municipalities run by his Republican People’s Party (CHP).

In a bold step to deepen Pan-African unity and encourage free movement across the continent, Burkina Faso has officially removed visa fees for citizens of all African countries.

The announcement was made on Thursday by the country’s Minister of Security, Mahamadou Sana, following a cabinet meeting chaired by military leader Captain Ibrahim Traoré.

“From now on, any citizen from an African country wishing to enter Burkina Faso will not have to pay visa fees,” Sana stated.

While visa fees are being scrapped, visitors must still apply online for approval before entry.

Although citizens of West African nations have long enjoyed visa-free access to Burkina Faso, this broader policy shift comes at a critical time.

The country, along with Mali and Niger, withdrew from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) earlier this year, raising questions about regional mobility.

Now, Burkina Faso joins Ghana, Rwanda, and Kenya in embracing visa-free travel for Africans, a move that aligns with the African Union’s goal of greater continental integration.

According to the state information office, the initiative is also designed to boost tourism, showcase Burkinabe culture, and enhance the nation’s global visibility.

“This policy for African nationals will help promote tourism and Burkinabe culture, and improve Burkina Faso’s visibility abroad,” the official statement noted.

Since taking power in a 2022 military coup, Captain Ibrahim Traoré has positioned himself as a Pan-African voice, pushing back against foreign influence, particularly from the West.

His stance has garnered significant support across Africa, especially on social media platforms, where he enjoys growing popularity.

Despite the progressive visa move, Burkina Faso continues to face major challenges.

The country remains embroiled in a long-running Islamist insurgency, with an estimated 40% of its territory outside government control.

Although the junta has forged closer military ties with Russia and vowed to restore peace, attacks on civilians and troops persist.

Nepal has named Sushila Karki, the country’s first female Chief Justice, as its new Prime Minister following the resignation of KP Sharma Oli and days of deadly unrest across the nation.

The decision comes after a wave of mass protests, led mostly by youth under the banner of the Gen Z movement, turned violent earlier this week.

The demonstrations, sparked by deepening public anger over corruption and a controversial ban on social media, escalated into the deadliest political violence since Nepal’s 2008 transition to democracy.

At least 51 people lost their lives in clashes with security forces, including 21 young protesters, while thousands took to the streets demanding government reform and accountability.

Following the chaos, President Ram Chandra Paudel confirmed on Friday that Karki, aged 73, will lead the country’s transitional government. Her swearing-in ceremony was scheduled for 9:00 pm local time.

“The President will appoint former chief justice Sushila Karki as prime minister,” presidential adviser Kiran Pokharel told AFP. “A new council of ministers will follow.”

Karki’s appointment was welcomed by the protest movement. Nimesh Shrestha, a Gen Z activist, told AFP that the youth leaders had reached an agreement with the army and political leadership.

“We support her leadership. Parliament will be dissolved. Karki will lead the transition,” he said.

The protests were fueled by frustration over long-standing issues such as poor governance, widespread youth unemployment, and low wages.

According to the World Bank, 20% of Nepalese aged 15–24 are unemployed, and GDP per capita remains low at $1,447.

The unrest reached its peak on Tuesday, when demonstrators set fire to parliament buildings, a Hilton Hotel, and other government offices.

Amid the chaos, more than 12,500 inmates escaped from various prisons. Many remain unaccounted for, police said.

“We’ve recovered over 100 looted firearms so far,” said Binod Ghimire, a police spokesperson.

The military regained control of the capital, Kathmandu, by Wednesday and imposed a city-wide curfew. Troops have continued patrolling for three days as citizens cautiously emerge to restock supplies.

“I was terrified. My family and I didn’t step outside for days,” said Naveen Kumar Das, a 45-year-old painter.

“We finally came out today to buy food,” said Laxmi Thapa, a 32-year-old resident who braved the streets on a motorbike.

Despite the tension, many protesters remain optimistic.

“We started this movement to build a better Nepal,” said James Karki, a 24-year-old demonstrator. “Now there’s hope.”