A Pakistani anti-terrorism court has sentenced 8 journalists and social media commentators to life imprisonment in absentia. They were convicted of terrorism-related offences attributed to online activism in support of the jailed former prime minister, Imran Khan. Fines were also imposed, and the court threatened to enforce additional prison sentences if the fines are not paid. All the sentences are subject to review by the Islamabad High Court.
Pakistan Launches Sweep Against Khan Supporters
These convictions stem from cases registered following the May 9, 2023, violence, when Khan’s supporters attacked military installations after his brief arrest. Since then, Pakistan’s government and military have carried out an extensive crackdown on Khan’s party and other opponents under anti-terror legislation and through military courts.
According to the court’s ruling, the online content of the accused fell within the scope of terrorism and incited fear and instability. Most of those convicted are reportedly outside Pakistan and failed to appear in court.
Those already sentenced include journalists Wajahat Saeed Khan, Sabir Shakir, and Shaheen Sehbai; analysts Moeed Pirzada and Haider Raza Mehdi; and YouTubers Adil Raja and Syed Akbar Hussain. The Committee to Protect Journalists condemned the decision, calling it an act of vengeance for critical coverage.
