Pakistan Court Sentences Journalists to Life Over Protests Against Khan

A Pakistani anti-terrorism court has issued life imprisonment sentences to several individuals in absentia for allegedly inciting violence during riots in May 2023, linked to the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

The convictions were announced by Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra on Friday in Islamabad. The accused include Adil Raja and Syed Akbar Hussain, former army officers who also operate as YouTubers; Wajahat Saeed Khan, Sabir Shakir, and Shaheen Sehbai, journalists; Haider Raza Mehdi, a commentator; and Moeed Pirzada, an analyst.

The individuals were not present in court due to their absence from Pakistan. The convictions stem from cases registered following unrest in May 2023, during which some of Khan’s supporters attacked military facilities and government property in response to his arrest on corruption charges.

The Pakistani government and military have launched a crackdown on Khan’s party and dissenting voices since then, using anti-terrorism laws and military trials to prosecute hundreds accused of incitement and attacks on state institutions. The Committee to Protect Journalists had previously stated that the investigations into these cases were seen as retaliation against critical reporting.

Those convicted have the right to file appeals within seven days. According to the court’s order, police are directed to arrest them if they return to Pakistan and transfer them to prison.

Source: Al Jazeera