LONDON: Social media activist and YouTuber Adil Raja was released on police bail after he was questioned by United Kingdom’s counter-terrorism police on suspicions of encouraging acts of terrorism inside Pakistan, his lawyer confirmed yesterday.

Mahtab Aziz, who represents Adil Raja, told media that his client has been released after he was arrested from his home and detained at a police station in relation to the complaints filed by authorities in Pakistan with the UK authorities. He was released after being questioned by the police.

A police source said the investigation continues and no details will be made public at this stage. “In Pakistan, a serious terrorism-related warrant was issued against him. Such allegations are very serious. I came to know on Tuesday that he has been arrested by the police. In the manner Adil Raja has been arrested, I believe it falls under anti-terrorism laws. This doesn’t mean he’s guilty of terrorism but this means the UK had to act against Adil Raja based on information and intelligence they received (from Pakistan),” Aziz said.

A diplomatic source said Raja was arrested by the counter-terrorism police on complaints made by the Pakistani authorities.

Released on police bail, Raja said he’s fine and will continue peaceful struggle; YouTube and Facebook terminated Raja’s channels after May 9 attacks on Pakistan Army; sources confirm Pakistan made several complaints to media giants and UK authorities over Raja’s controversial publications; lawyer confirms anti-terrorism police involved; use of social media at the centre of whole saga.

Published in The Daily National Courier, June, 15 2023

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