On Tuesday, an Islamabad court authorized the FIA’s request for five-day custody of journalist Asad Ali Toor, linked to a digital campaign critiquing the judiciary.
Following the Supreme Court’s verdict affecting PTI’s emblem, a caretaker government established a team in January to probe a defamatory online movement against the judicial system. Despite the attorney general’s previous assurances to the Supreme Court, Toor faced an extensive FIA interrogation last week. His legal representatives confirmed his arrest after he reported to the FIA’s Cyber Crime Centre, aiming to comply with a recent summons and display cooperation. Despite securing a High Court directive against harassment, Toor was detained within FIA’s premises, and his legal team was informed outside by an FIA official.
During his court appearance before Judicial Magistrate Mohammad Shabbir, the FIA secured Toor’s physical remand for investigation. This arrest drew criticism from the HRCP and the NCHR, advocating for Toor’s release and highlighting concerns over freedom of expression.
Imaan Zainab-Mazari-Hazir, Toor’s lawyer, and others in the human rights community have decried the arrest, calling for reevaluating the laws impacting freedom of speech and journalistic integrity. The CPJ has also demanded Toor’s release, emphasizing the need to protect journalists from undue harassment.
