US EditionPakistan sentences journalists, YouTubers and ex-military officers to life over inciting violence
Seven individuals, including journalists and retired officers, received life sentences for inciting violence during May 2023 riots linked to former PM Imran Khan, court said.
- On Friday, an Islamabad anti-terrorism court sentenced seven people to life imprisonment for inciting the May 9, 2023 riots after trials in absentia as none appeared, living abroad to avoid arrest.
- Following Imran Khan's arrest, the unrest involved supporters attacking military installations, and prosecutors said accused used online platforms and vlogs to incite violence in May 2023.
- The court identified Shaheen Sehbai, Sabir Shakir, Moeed Pirzada, Wajahat Saeed Khan, Haider Raza Mehdi, Syed Akbar Hussain, and Adil Raja, each given two life sentences and Rs500,000 fines on multiple counts.
- Under the court order, the seven convicts have seven days to appeal before the Islamabad High Court, and police were directed to arrest them upon return to Pakistan or availability to serve sentences.
- Rights groups warned Amnesty International and Reporters Without Borders say anti-terror laws against journalists restrict free expression, while convicted journalists call the ruling political victimisation.
86 Articles
86 Articles
Pakistan sentences journalists to life over inciting violence
ISLAMABAD — A court in Pakistan’s capital sentenced seven people, including three journalists, two YouTubers and two retired army officers, to life imprisonment on Friday, after convicting them of inciting violence during riots in 2023 and spreading hatred against state…
Pakistan sentences journalists to life in prison over pro-Khan protests
Eight journalists and social media commentators are sentenced to life imprisonment in Pakistan after being convicted of terrorism-related offences linked to online activity in support of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan.
Pakistan sentences journalists to life over links to Khan demos
A Pakistani anti-terrorism court sentenced eight journalists and social media commentators on Friday to life imprisonment in absentia after convicting them of terrorism-related offences linked to online activity in support of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan. The convictions stem from cases registered after violent protests on 9 May 2023, when Khan’s supporters attacked military installations following his brief arrest. Since then, the go…
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