Imprisoned ex-Pakistani leader Imran Khan convicted again, days ahead of election
LA TimesFormer Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, with his wife, Bushra Bibi, speaks to the media in a Lahore courthouse in July. Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan was found guilty of corruption Wednesday and sentenced to 14 years in prison, yet another blow to the imprisoned populist leader days before his political movement attempts a return to power in parliamentary elections. “The message is Imran Khan will remain behind bars for a longer time if he does not change his rhetoric against the country’s institutions,” said Chaudhary, who is an independent, Islamabad-based analyst. Khan and Bibi were indicted three weeks ago on charges that they bought gifts — including jewelry and watches from Saudi Arabia’s government — at reduced prices and sold them at market value. Zulfiqar Bukhari, the chief spokesperson for Khan’s party, said Khan’s conviction and sentencing was “another sad day in our judicial system history which is being dismantled.” Awan, the lawyer, said the latest ruling would be challenged in higher courts.