An anti-terrorism court in Islamabad has sentenced Adil Raja and several other accused to multiple life terms in a digital terrorism case involving content against state institutions.
The verdict was announced on Friday by Anti-Terrorism Court Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra after the conclusion of the trial related to incidents of May 9. The judge pronounced the reserved judgment shortly after the trial was completed.
The court awarded two life sentences each to Adil Raja, Haider Mehdi and Wajahat Saeed. Similarly, Sabar Shakir and Moeed Pirzada were also sentenced to two life terms each. In addition, the court imposed a cumulative sentence of 35 years’ imprisonment under other charges.
The accused were also fined a total of Rs1.5 million.
During the proceedings, the prosecution presented 24 witnesses before the court. On the prosecution’s request, the trial was conducted and concluded in the absence of the accused, as permitted under anti-terrorism laws. Prosecutor Raja Naveed Hussain Kiyani represented the prosecution.
In the case registered at Aabpara police station, the court awarded life imprisonment to Sabar Shakir, Moeed Pirzada and Syed Akbar Hussain. In a separate case registered at Ramna police station, Shahin Sahbai, Haider Mehdi and Wajahat Saeed were sentenced.
During the hearing, Advocate Gulfam Ashraf Goraya appeared on behalf of the accused. The court had appointed him as defense counsel, noting that under anti-terrorism legislation, trials can proceed in the absence of the accused.
