A local court in Pakistan declined the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency’s request for journalist Fakharur Rehman’s physical remand, instead sending him to jail on judicial remand. Rehman, arrested under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, is among nine accused of spreading false information against state institutions on social media. Defense counsel argued that the prosecution failed to clarify Rehman’s alleged role adequately.
Rehman, presented before District Magistrate Yasir Mahmood, had his lawyer question why action wasn’t taken against the original speaker of the video in question. The lawyer highlighted that Rehman denied sharing false information, cooperated with investigators, and opposed physical remand. The court, after hearing arguments, rejected the physical remand request and ordered Rehman to judicial custody.
The FIR against Rehman and others cited dissemination of false information against government functionaries with malicious intent. It alleged that the accused shared misleading content to incite hatred and unrest. International press freedom and human rights organizations have expressed concerns over media freedom deterioration in Pakistan, urging the government to uphold obligations for press freedom and journalist protection.
