What Happened: A Pakistani court sentenced former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to 10 years in prison on charges related to corruption, Reuters reported July 5.
Why It Matters: Sharif's conviction means he will likely face arrest if he returns to Pakistan from London, preventing him from campaigning ahead of elections on July 25 and potentially creating a divided parliament that cannot stand up to the country's politically powerful army.
Background: Sharif was ousted from his position as prime minister in July 2017 after the Panama Papers triggered three anti-corruption cases against him.
Read More:
- Pakistan: Ousted Prime Minister Indicted (October 19, 2017)
- Pakistan: Ousted Prime Minister Is Again Party Leader (October 3, 2017)
