An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Islamabad on Friday announced multiple life sentences to several YouTubers for “committing digital terrorism” during the May 9, 2023 riots.
Announced by Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra, the ruling sentences two life imprisonments each to YouTubers Adil Raja, Wajahat Saeed Khan, Sabir Shakir, Shaheen Sehbai, Haider Raza Mehdi, Moeed Peerzada and former Army official Akbar Hussain in cases related to the May 9, 2023 riots.
During proceedings, conducted in absentia as the convicts are all currently based outside Pakistan, the prosecution accused the individuals of “digital terrorism against state institutions.” It alleged that the convicts had used digital platforms to incite, facilitate and amplify attacks against state institutions during the May 9 riots triggered by the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
According to the ruling, cases against Raja, Khan, Sehbai and Mehdi were registered at Islamabad‘s Ramna police station, while those against Shakir, Hussain and Peerzada were registered at the Aabpara police station. It sentences the convicts to rigorous life imprisonment on two counts—waging or attempting to wage war against Pakistan and criminal conspiracy. Additionally, they have been fined Rs. 500,000 for each of the two offenses with the period of their imprisonment to increase by six months if they are unable to pay the fine.
The convicts have also been sentenced to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs. 200,000 for committing an offense under Section 121-A (conspiracy to commit offenses) of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC). A sentence of 10 years of rigorous imprisonment and Rs. 200,000 fine has been rendered for committing an offense under Section 131 (abetting mutiny or attempting to seduce a soldier, sailor or airman from their duty) of the PPC.
Finally, they have been sentenced to triple five-year rigorous imprisonments on three counts under the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997. They must also pay fines of Rs. 200,000 for each of the three offenses.
All sentences will run concurrently.