Former Qatar chairman sentenced to 20 years in prison

A former finance minister of Qatar and former chairman of Qatar Airways has been sentenced to 20 years in prison. The politician is accused of money laundering amounting to the equivalent of around $5,6 billion.

Ali Sharif Al-Emadi was appointed finance minister of the desert state in 2013 and also served as chairman of Qatar Airways. The former government member is accused of conducting dubious transactions. According to Reuters, the allegations are bribery, abuse of office, misuse of public funds and money laundering. In addition to the prison sentence, he also handed out a fine of $16,8 billion.

However, the verdict is not yet final because, according to local media reports, the former politician is said to have filed an appeal. He is said to remain in custody.