A court in Islamabad, Pakistan, has sentenced seven individuals, including three journalists, two YouTube content creators, and two retired military officers, to life imprisonment. The convictions stem from charges of inciting violence and spreading hatred against state institutions during unrest in 2023.
Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra delivered the verdict in an anti-terrorism court, following trials held in absentia. None of the accused were present, having reportedly left the country in the past two years to avoid arrest.
The list of those convicted includes journalist Shaheen Sehbai, journalists Sabir Shakir and Moeed Pirzada, YouTube personalities Saeed Khan and Haider Raza Mehdi, and retired military officials Adil Raja and Akbar Hussain.
The charges relate to violent disturbances that erupted in May 2023 following the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan on corruption charges. Thousands of his supporters allegedly attacked military sites and government property, including the Pakistani state broadcaster.
Since then, the Pakistani government and military have launched a broad crackdown on Khan’s party and dissenting voices, utilizing anti-terrorism laws and military trials to pursue hundreds accused of incitement and attacks on state institutions.
The court stated that the defendants’ actions fell within the scope of terrorism under Pakistani law, and that their online content fueled fear and unrest in society. DZWatch is following the story closely.
Saeed Khan, residing in New York, stated that he received no summons, was not informed of any proceedings, and was not contacted by the court. He described the verdict as a political charade lacking due process, jurisdiction, and credibility.
The case has raised concerns about freedom of the press and due process within Pakistan. DZWatch will continue to monitor developments in this case.
