Read < 1 minute
A Senegalese court on Friday sentenced opposition leader Khalifa Sall to five years in prison for corruption and falsifying documents.
The 62-year-old Dakar mayor and seven co-defendants were accused of misappropriating US$2.85 million of city funds between 2011 and 2015.
He however denied the charges, a position his supporters back saying they are politically motivated.
Khalifa Sall was arrested a year ago.
Prosecutors sought a seven year sentence for him and his co-accused.
Prior to his arrest, he was seen as a potential rival to President Macky Sall in elections expected next year.
