Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan was arrested on Saturday after being sentenced to three years in prison by a Pakistan trial court. The court convicted him of illegally selling state goods in the Toshakhana corruption case. The court also barred him from running for office for the next five years.
The 70-year-old former cricketer-turned-politician was elected in 2018, but was deposed in a no-confidence vote last year after clashing with Pakistan's powerful military.
The 70-year-old former cricketer-turned-politician was elected in 2018, but was deposed in a no-confidence vote last year after clashing with Pakistan's powerful military.
Mr Khan is facing over 100 allegations filed against him since his departure, which he claims are politically motivated.
The verdict on Saturday focused on allegations that he falsely disclosed details of gifts from foreign dignitaries and earnings from their suspected sale. Rolex watches, a ring, and cuff links were among the gifts, which were said to be valued more than 140 million Pakistani rupees ($635,000).
"We weren't even given the opportunity. We weren't even allowed to cross-examine, say anything in defense, or argue our case.
"I've never seen such injustice," he told the Dawn newspaper.
As the court decision was revealed, a mob outside the courthouse, including some prosecuting lawyers, began yelling "Imran Khan is a thief."
His Tehreek-e-Insaf party reported to the BBC that after being arrested in Lahore, Mr Khan was taken to Islamabad to begin serving his sentence.
Despite several attempts, if Imran Khan is unable to avoid conviction, it will be tough for the cricketer-turned-politician to run in the national elections slated for November this year, according to Reuters.
In addition to the jail term, the court fined the Tehreek-e-Insaf chairman one million rupees. The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) filed a lawsuit against Imran Khan for hiding data about Toshakhana gifts.
