The US State Department today expressed its concern and disappointment over the jail sentence handed down by Turkish justice to the mayor of Istanbul. Ekrem Imamoglu.

“This unfair verdict is contrary to respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law,” State Department spokesman Vedant Patel said. “We remain particularly concerned about the ongoing indictments of civil society, media, political and business leaders in Turkey, as well as their lengthy pre-trial detention.”

Earlier today, a Turkish court sentenced Imamoglu to two years, seven months and 15 days in prison for insulting members of the Electoral Council. At the same time, he was deprived of political rights precisely during this period, six months before the decisive presidential elections in Turkey.

Ekrem Imamoglu will file an appeal, which has a suspensive nature of the sentence. The 52-year-old mayor of Istanbul, who comes from the opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), is one of the potential candidates who could take on Erdogan in June’s presidential election. The CHP has not yet chosen its candidate for the presidency of Turkey.