An anti-terrorism court in the federal capital on Friday hands multiple life sentences to Adil Raja, Haider Mehdi, Wajahat Saeed, Sabir Shakir, and Moeed Pirzada for committing “digital terrorism” linked to the May 9, 2023 riots.
The verdict was announced by ATC Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra. The case relates to online content and actions that, according to the prosecution, incited violence and unrest during the May 9 incidents.
The court said the offences fell under terrorism laws due to their impact on public order and national security.
The judgment covers two separate cases. One case was registered at Aabpara Police Station against Syed Akbar Hussain and journalists Shakir and Pirzada.
The second case was lodged at Ramna Police Station and involved Mehdi, Saeed, and Shaheen Sehbai. In addition to life sentences, the court imposed a total of 35 years’ imprisonment under other legal provisions and fined the convicts Rs1.5 million.
During the proceedings, prosecutor Raja Naveed Hussain Kiani presented the case, while Advocate Gulfam Goraya represented the accused after being appointed by the court.
The prosecution produced 24 witnesses. The trial was completed in absentia, as the convicts are currently abroad.
The ruling comes days after the federal cabinet declared Adil Raja a proscribed person under the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997.
Raja and Haider Mehdi had earlier been convicted under the Army Act in 2023 for violations related to official secrets.
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