The previous cricket star claims his conviction for illegally benefiting from state items was politically motivated
Former Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan was issued with a three-year jail sentence by an Islamabad court docket on Saturday after he was discovered responsible on corruption expenses. The decision signifies that Khan, who claims the prosecution was politically motivated, will be unable to contest elections later this yr.
In a pre-recorded assertion launched on X (previously Twitter), Khan advised his supporters: “I’ve just one attraction, don’t sit at dwelling silently.”
Decide Humayun Dilawar declared in court docket that Khan, 70, had “intentionally submitted pretend particulars” after he was accused of illegally benefiting from the sale of items he acquired whereas serving as Pakistan’s head of state between 2018 and 2022. After issuing the three-year custodial time period, the decide additionally ordered Khan to be banned from politics for a interval of 5 years.
Following the decision, Khan, who was not in court docket, was arrested at his dwelling in Lahore and brought into police custody. The claims towards the previous prime minister are a case of “political victimization,” in response to his lawyer Intezar Hussain Panjutha.
“Khan was not given a possibility to defend himself and say his facet of the story,” he stated after the decision. “We wished to supply witnesses in his favor however he was not allowed this chance. Khan was not given a good trial.”
Khan’s barrister, Gohar Khan, added in feedback to The Daybreak newspaper that the court docket’s verdict had been a “homicide of justice.”
Nevertheless, opponents of the previous politician appeared to rejoice the court docket’s judgment exterior the constructing, with some chanting: “Imran Khan is a thief.”
Greater than 150 circumstances have been introduced towards Khan, the previous sports activities star turned populist political determine, since he was ousted from workplace final April following a no-confidence vote. He has denied all wrongdoing.
Barring a profitable attraction, Khan’s conviction means he will probably be prohibited from standing in Pakistan’s basic elections, that are anticipated to happen in October or November. Khan, who had unsuccessfully known as for early elections to happen, has beforehand acknowledged his perception that Pakistan’s navy authorities have tried to impede his Tehreek-e-Insaf social gathering from regaining political energy.
It’s the second time in current months that Khan has been arrested. Round 100 paramilitary troops had been concerned in his detention final Might in reference to one of many quite a few circumstances towards him. Khan has alleged that Pakistan’s navy is chargeable for makes an attempt to subdue his political affect. He has additionally claimed that america has conspired with Pakistan’s authorities to stop him from returning to political energy.
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