Mayor of Istanbul Ekrem Imamoglu has been sentenced to over two years in prison and handed a “political ban” by a court in Turkey.
Imamoglu, a member of the opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), faces two years, 7 months and 15 days in prison on charges of insulting Turkish officials.
The sentence will also see him barred from holding political office, scuppering the popular politician’s chances of becoming a potential candidate in 2023’s presidential election.
Imamoglu can still appeal the verdict, if he does appeal against the decision means that he would be able continue serving as mayor but is ruled out from standing in next year’s presidential election.
More to follow…