Pakistan court sentences journalists to life over Imran Khan protests

An anti-terrorism court in Pakistan on Friday sentenced eight journalists and social media commentators to life imprisonment in absentia for terrorism-related offences linked to online activity supporting jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

The convictions are connected to cases filed after violent protests on May 9, 2023, when Khan's supporters attacked military installations following his brief arrest. The Pakistani government and military have since conducted a broad crackdown on Khan's party and dissenting voices, using anti-terrorism laws and military trials to prosecute hundreds accused of incitement and attacks on state institutions.

According to the court, the actions of the accused "fell within the ambit of terrorism" under Pakistani law, and their online material promoted "fear and unrest" in society. Most of those convicted were outside Pakistan and did not appear during the proceedings.

Those sentenced 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.

The court imposed life sentences along with additional prison terms and fines, specifying that further jail time will be enforced if the fines are not paid. All sentences remain subject to confirmation by the Islamabad High Court.

The Committee to Protect Journalists condemned the ruling, calling it retaliation against critical reporting. "Authorities must immediately drop these investigations and cease the relentless intimidation and censorship of the media," said CPJ Asia programme coordinator Beh Lih Yi.