The realm of politics has witnessed the imprisonment of several prominent figures across the globe. This list highlights ten notable political leaders who have faced incarceration at some point in their careers. From iconic figures like Nelson Mandela, who endured a lengthy imprisonment during the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa, to Aung San Suu Kyi, whose commitment to pro-democracy activism led to years of house arrest in Myanmar, these individuals have endured legal consequences due to their political activities. Whether they were imprisoned on charges of corruption, abuse of power, or for their involvement in controversial events, their experiences shed light on the complex interplay between politics and the judicial system.
Indicted | Political Leaders Who Have Served Jail Time
#1
Imprisoned for 27 years due to his involvement in the anti-apartheid movement. He later became the first black President of South Africa.
Nelson Mandela (South Africa)
Imprisoned for 27 years due to his involvement in the anti-apartheid movement. He later became the first black President of South Africa.
#2
Placed under house arrest for a total of 15 years as a result of her pro-democracy activism. She later served as the State Counsellor of Myanmar.
Aung San Suu Kyi (Myanmar)
Placed under house arrest for a total of 15 years as a result of her pro-democracy activism. She later served as the State Counsellor of Myanmar.
#3
Former President of Brazil, he was sentenced to prison for corruption and money laundering but was released after spending over a year behind bars.
Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (Brazil)
Former President of Brazil, he was sentenced to prison for corruption and money laundering but was released after spending over a year behind bars.
#4
Former Prime Minister of Ukraine, she was imprisoned for alleged abuse of power. Her detention was widely criticized as politically motivated.
Yulia Tymoshenko (Ukraine)
Former Prime Minister of Ukraine, she was imprisoned for alleged abuse of power. Her detention was widely criticized as politically motivated.
#5
Former Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, he was imprisoned on charges of corruption and sodomy. His imprisonment was widely seen as politically motivated.
Anwar Ibrahim (Malaysia)
Former Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, he was imprisoned on charges of corruption and sodomy. His imprisonment was widely seen as politically motivated.
#6
The first female President of Brazil, she was impeached and removed from office due to allegations of fiscal misconduct, although she didn't serve jail time.
Dilma Rousseff (Brazil)
The first female President of Brazil, she was impeached and removed from office due to allegations of fiscal misconduct, although she didn't serve jail time.
#7
Former Prime Minister of Israel, he served time in prison for bribery and obstruction of justice charges.
Ehud Olmert (Israel)
Former Prime Minister of Israel, he served time in prison for bribery and obstruction of justice charges.
#8
Former Prime Minister of France, he was convicted of corruption-related charges and served a suspended prison sentence.
Alain Juppé (France)
Former Prime Minister of France, he was convicted of corruption-related charges and served a suspended prison sentence.
#9
Former Prime Minister of Thailand, he was sentenced to two years in prison for abuse of power. He fled the country before serving the sentence.
Thaksin Shinawatra (Thailand)
Former Prime Minister of Thailand, he was sentenced to two years in prison for abuse of power. He fled the country before serving the sentence.
#10
Former Prime Minister of Israel, he faced public criticism and protests for his role in the Israeli military's response to the second intifada but didn't serve jail time.
Ehud Barak (Israel)
Former Prime Minister of Israel, he faced public criticism and protests for his role in the Israeli military's response to the second intifada but didn't serve jail time.
