Thousands protest against the conviction of Istanbul Mayor Imamoglu

Thousands of people in Istanbul have protested against the conviction and political ban of the city’s Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, voicing criticism of Turkey’s government ahead of elections next year that are set to pose a major test to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s two-decade rule.

A Turkish court on Wednesday sentenced Imamoglu, a popular rival to Erdogan, to two years and seven months in prison for insulting public officials.

The sentence and the political ban must be confirmed by an appeals court, and Imamoglu will continue to serve as mayor of Turkey’s largest city while his appeal is heard.

The verdict drew wide criticism at home and abroad.