In a pre-recorded statement posted after the verdict, he urged supporters to fight against the ruling.
"I have only one appeal, don't sit at home silently," he said in a video address posted to X, formerly known as Twitter. "I am struggling for you and the country and your children's future," he added.
Social media reactions however were a mixed bag from sympathy or outrage to some conducting polls over the arrest and consequential sentencing.
https://twitter.com/lishba_qureshi/status/1688131639698964480
Some decided to take the conversation further via polls with interesting options on offer:
https://twitter.com/SIMRANPREET122/status/1688132327581548544
Others decided to be bold and creative by sending out messages via images because there were no words:
https://twitter.com/RanaFai73047510/status/1688130538006040576