Adil Raja, Social Media activist, released on bail after his arrest in UK
Social media activist and YouTuber Major (retd) Adil Raja has been released on police bail following his arrest by the United Kingdom’s counter-terrorism police on suspicion of promoting acts of terrorism in Pakistan, according to his lawyer. Mahtab Aziz, who represents Adil Raja, confirmed that his client was arrested at his home and subsequently questioned by the police before being released. The investigation is ongoing, and no further details have been disclosed at this stage.
Aziz emphasized that serious allegations of terrorism were made against Raja in Pakistan, leading to his arrest in the UK. However, he clarified that Raja’s arrest does not imply his guilt but rather reflects the UK authorities’ need to respond based on the information and intelligence they received from Pakistan. Aziz explained that the anti-terrorism laws compel UK police to take action when they receive intelligence, often involving the confiscation of electronic devices during raids.
Although Raja’s release has been granted, there are certain conditions imposed on his use of social media, and in some cases, mobile phone use has been banned. Aziz expressed his belief that Raja was not involved in promoting terrorism or engaging in any unlawful activities.
According to diplomatic sources, Raja’s arrest was prompted by complaints filed by Pakistani authorities. It has been confirmed that YouTube and Facebook terminated Raja’s channels following the May 9 attacks on the Pakistan Army, which led to several complaints being lodged by Pakistan with media giants and UK authorities regarding Raja’s controversial publications. Aziz further confirmed the involvement of the anti-terrorism police in the matter, with the use of social media playing a central role in the entire saga.
Raja took to Twitter after his release, stating that he is well and will continue his peaceful struggle. He expressed his commitment to raising his voice against fascism and advocating for democracy in Pakistan, emphasizing peaceful protests as the means to bring about real change.
Democracy & Human Rights For All https://t.co/CgtiYxvGFI
— Adil Raja (@soldierspeaks) June 14, 2023
Raja stressed the importance of free and fair elections and uninterrupted democracy for Pakistan’s political and economic stability, urging that criticism of individuals should not undermine institutions. He expressed gratitude for the prayers, concerns, and well wishes he has received, extending his thoughts and prayers to all Pakistanis striving for a better and peaceful future.
Adil Raja said in his tweet:
“There have been many rumours about me and my welfare. Alhamdullilah, I am well.
I remain fully committed to raising a voice against fascism and for democracy in Pakistan.
I will continue to advocate people’s democratic right to peaceful protest as the only way to bring about real change.
A sea of peaceful protesters can achieve the change, which violent protest can not as violence can only be counterproductive.
The only way forward for Pakistan to bring political and economic stability, which every Pakistani, regardless of political affiliation desires, is through free and fair elections and ‘uninterrupted’ democracy.
All institutions working ‘within their powers’, as mandated by the constitution, are vital for the success of Pakistan. Criticism of individuals should never be allowed to undermine the institutions.
I am humbled by all the prayers, concerns, and good wishes sent my way. My thoughts and prayers are always with each and every Pakistani who wants a better and peaceful future in our beautiful land.
#PakistanZindabad”
There have been many rumours about me and my welfare. Alhamdullilah, I am well.
I remain fully committed to raising a voice against fascism and for democracy in Pakistan.
I will continue to advocate people's democratic right to peaceful protest as the only way to bring about…
— Adil Raja (@soldierspeaks) June 14, 2023
Despite Raja’s release on police bail, investigations into the complaints against him are ongoing. It is understood that the UK government has received multiple complaints about Raja from Pakistan, particularly in light of the May 9 riots following the arrest of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters. The complaints accuse Raja and other activists of disseminating hateful and anti-state sentiments through social media.
Raja, a former spokesman for retired servicemen, relocated to the UK over a year ago after Imran Khan’s government was voted out. He became a vocal supporter of PTI and a critic of the PDM government. Through his use of platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, Raja gained fame by publishing controversial news, often involving serving military generals. While his claims were frequently refuted by military sources, they circulated widely on social media. Raja’s issues with state authorities intensified as he was accused of spreading fake news for views and ratings, while he maintained that he had reliable sources providing him with news. Some of Raja’s videos addressing alleged maneuvers within the military and the government garnered millions of views.
Over the past several months, multiple complaints were filed against Raja by Pakistani authorities to Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube. However, the situation escalated when Pakistan Army came under violent attacks on May 9, instigated by PTI activists and leaders. Raja played a prominent role in the media coverage surrounding the events leading up to and following May 9, openly challenging state authorities.
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