LONDON: Youtuber Adil Farooq Raja was released on bail following a “brief detention” in London over charges of inciting violence against state of Pakistan while sitting in the United Kingdom’s capital London.
Adil was arrested by United Kingdom’s counter-terrorism police on suspicions of encouraging acts of terrorism inside Pakistan, his lawyer confirmed on Wednesday. He was released after being questioned by the police. However, Mr Raja posted a tweet to announce that he had been released.
“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,” he wrote.
“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”.
But Mr Raja looked adopting a reconciliatory tone after his detention.
“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,” he concluded.
Earlier this week, an FIR was lodged against Pakistani-American journalist Shaheen Sehbai, Haider Raza Mehdi, YouTuber and anchorperson Wajahat Saeed Khan and retired major Adil Farooq Raja, in Islamabad’s Ramna Police Station.
