Pakistani court sentenced 8 journalists and YouTubers to life imprisonment

An anti-terrorism court in Pakistan has delivered a landmark verdict, sentencing eight journalists and YouTubers to life imprisonment on charges of digital terrorism. Since all the accused are currently residing abroad, the judgment was pronounced in absentia by the Islamabad Anti-Terrorism Court. Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra delivered the verdict on Friday.

Those convicted include senior journalists Wajahat Saeed Khan, Sabir Shakir, Shaheen Sehbai, and Moeed Pirzada, along with YouTubers Adil Raja and Haider Raza Mehdi. Former military officer Syed Akbar Hussain was also among the accused. The court awarded each of them two life sentences, an additional 10 years of rigorous imprisonment, and imposed heavy fines.

The prosecution stated that following the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan on May 9, 2023, violent incidents erupted across Pakistan. During this period, the accused allegedly used online speeches and social media content to incite attacks against government and military institutions, spreading fear and unrest in society.

Agreeing with these arguments, the court ruled that the actions of the accused fell under the definition of “digital terrorism.” It observed that provoking public unrest through online platforms and undermining national security constituted serious criminal offenses.

Cases were registered against the accused at Ramna and Abpara police stations in Islamabad on charges including waging war against the state and criminal conspiracy. However, the court clarified that the verdict must be confirmed by the Islamabad High Court before it becomes final.