Former President Jacob Zuma addresses supporters outside the Pietermaritzburg High Court on May 26, 2021 in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. Photo: Deaan Vivier/Beeld/Gallo Images via Getty Images
South Africa's highest court agreed to hear former president Jacob Zuma's challenge to the 15-month jail sentence that he received for failing to attend a corruption hearing, Reuters reports.
Driving the news: Zuma asked the court to reverse his sentence on grounds that it is excessive and could expose him to COVID-19, per Reuters.
- Zuma also said the sentence was a "political statement of exemplary punishment."
- Zuma's application will be heard on July 12, Bloomberg reports.
Catch up quick: South Africa's highest court sentenced Zuma to 15-months in prison earlier this week for failing to appear before a judicial panel that is investigating allegations of corruption during his presidency.
- The court ordered Zuma to turn himself into police on Sunday, but with the decision to hear his application, that order is now suspended.
Go deeper: Court orders former South African president Jacob Zuma to be arrested for contempt