Islamabad (Web Desk): An anti-terrorism court (ATC) on Friday handed down multiple life sentences to YouTuber Adil Raja and several co-accused in a case related to what the prosecution described as 'digital terrorism' against state institutions.
The verdict was announced by ATC Judge Tahir Abbas Supra during a hearing of a case related to May 9, 2023 riots after the conclusion of the trial and the pronouncement of a judgment that had earlier been reserved.
As per the court’s ruling, Adil Raja, Haider Mehdi and Wajahat Saeed were each sentenced to life imprisonment twice. Similar double life sentences were awarded to Sabir Shakir and Moeed Pirzada.
In addition to these punishments, the court imposed further prison terms amounting to a total of 35 years under other charges, along with collective fines of Rs1.5 million.
During the proceedings, the prosecution presented a total of 24 witnesses and concluded the trial in the absence of the accused.
The case was pursued on behalf of the state by prosecutor Raja Naveed Hussain Kiani, who appeared before the court and argued the prosecution’s position.
According to the details of the verdict, in a case registered at Abpara police station, life sentences were awarded to Sabir Shakir, Moeed Pirzada and Syed Akbar Hussain.
In a separate case registered at Ramna police station, the court sentenced Shaheen Sehbai, Haider Mehdi and Wajahat Saeed.
Throughout the hearings, the defense was represented by Advocate Gulfam Ashraf Goraya, who appeared on behalf of the accused after being appointed by the court to defend them.