Knicks C Enes Kanter learned Monday that his father, Dr. Mehmet Kanter, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison, per Bleacher Report's Yaron Weitzman.

There has reportedly been an arrest warrant issued for Dr. Kanter, and when he returns to Istanbul, he is likely to be brought into custody. It is unknown what exactly he is being charged with, but Kanter believes it is the latest comeback from his government for his public criticism of the Turkish government, more specifically of president Recep Erdogan.

Because of his public comments, Kanter has not been in contact with his family overseas. But, even with the sentencing of his father, Kanter isn't going to stop being a voice for those back home.

"No matter what happens, I will continue to keep fighting for human rights and freedom of speech, justice and democracy above all," he told Bleacher Report. "I will stand for what I believe in. All I'm doing is trying to be the voice of all those innocent people."

I will continue to keep fighting for Human Rights and Freedom of Speech
Justice and Democracy above all.I will stand for what I believe in.All I'm doing is trying to be voice of innocent people
Keep my family,innocent people in your prayers 🙏#DictatorErdogan 🇹@RT_Erdogan pic.twitter.com/i7kK3mwKND
- Enes Kanter (@Enes_Kanter) June 18, 2018

This isn't the first time Kanter has seen his goverment retaliate for his actions. This past season, it was reported in December that prosecutors were looking at more than four years of prison for the Knicks' big man. The always-witty Kanter poked fun at the report at the time.

"Four years? That's it?" Kanter told the NY Daily News' Stefan Bondy. "For all the trash I've been talking?"

Kanter was also detained in Romania back in May 2017 after his Turkish passport was canceled. He posted a video to social media explaining the incident, while calling Erdogan "the Hitler of our country."

Kanter averaged 14.1 points, 11 rebounds and 1.5 assists in what was a career year for him during the 2017-18 season. However, he may not be a Knick next season if he doesn't decide to pick up his $18.6 million player option.

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