Pakistan Court Gives Life Terms to Journalists, YouTuber for 'Waging War' in May 9 Riots

• Pakistan's anti-terrorism court sentenced YouTuber Adil Raja, journalists Wajahat Saeed Khan, Sabir Shakir, Shaheen Sehbai, anchorperson Haider Raza Mehdi, analyst Moeed Pirzada, and former army official Akbar Hussain.
• Each received two life sentences for 'waging war' and 'criminal conspiracy' related to the May 9, 2023 riots.
• The prosecution accused them of 'digital terrorism against state institutions' for inciting violence online.
• Trials were conducted in absentia by ATC Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra; convicts also received fines and additional rigorous imprisonment terms.
• Rights groups like Amnesty International and Reporters Without Borders expressed concerns over the use of anti-terror laws against journalists.

Why It Matters: Pakistan court handed down severe sentences to media persons and others for May 9 riots, raising free speech concerns.