Former US President Donald Trump has expressed support for Ross Ulbricht, the founder of Silk Road, as he begins his 12th year in prison.
Ulbricht, who created the online marketplace Silk Road operating on the dark web, was given a controversial sentence of two life terms plus 40 years without parole.
Trump's support for Ulbricht resonates with some crypto enthusiasts who see him as a pioneer of digital freedom, despite his illegal activities.
Trump has promised to commute Ulbricht's sentence on day one if elected, as many believe the sentence to be excessive and his case raises questions about cryptocurrency use for illicit transactions.