Double life terms awarded to Adil Raja, media figures in May 9 riot cases

WEB DESK: : An anti-terrorism court in the federal capital has awarded two life terms each to YouTuber Adil Raja and several other media figures and commentators in connection with cases stemming from the violent unrest of May 9, 2023.

Those sentenced include journalists Wajahat Saeed Khan, Sabir Shakir and Shaheen Sehbai, television anchor Haider Raza Mehdi, political analyst Moeed Peerzada and retired army officer Akbar Hussain. The convictions relate to their alleged roles in what prosecutors described as “digital terrorism targeting state institutions” during the May 9 disturbances.

The nationwide violence had broken out after the arrest of former prime minister Imran Khan, with protesters attacking and damaging government buildings and military installations in multiple cities.

The verdicts, which had earlier been reserved, were announced by Islamabad ATC Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra following the conclusion of trials conducted in absentia, as the accused were not present before the court.

Court orders issued by Judge Sipra show that cases against Adil Raja, Wajahat Saeed Khan, Shaheen Sehbai and Haider Raza Mehdi were registered at Ramna police station on behalf of the state. Separate cases against Sabir Shakir, Akbar Hussain and Moeed Peerzada were lodged at Aabpara police station, also on the state’s complaint.