A Pakistani anti-terrorism court on Friday sentenced eight journalists and social media commentators in absentia to life in prison after finding them guilty of terrorist offenses linked to online activities in support of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is “imprisoned”.
These convictions follow cases recorded following violent protests on May 9, 2023, when Khan’s supporters attacked military installations following his brief arrest. Since then, the government and military have launched a broad crackdown on Khan’s party and dissenting voices, using anti-terrorism laws and military trials to prosecute hundreds of people accused of incitement and attacks on state institutions.
In its ruling, the court said the defendants’ actions “amounted to terrorism” under Pakistani law, and their online content promoted “fear and unrest” in society.
Most of the convicts are believed to be outside Pakistan and have not appeared during the proceedings.
Those convicted include former army officers turned YouTubers Adil Raja and Syed Akbar Hussain, journalists Wajahat Saeed Khan, Sabir Shakir and Shaheen Sehbai, commentator Haider Raza Mehdi and analyst Moeed Pirzada, according to the court decision.
Reuters was unable to contact the journalists or their lawyers for comment.
The Committee to Protect Journalists said in 2023 that the investigations were retaliation for critical reporting. “The authorities must immediately drop these investigations and end the relentless intimidation and censorship of the media,” said Beh Lih Yi, CPJ Asia program coordinator.
The court handed down life sentences with additional prison time and fines, ordering more prison time if the fines are not paid. All sentences are subject to confirmation by the Islamabad High Court.
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