ATC grants bail to 42 arrested over violent protests after Khamenei killing

ISLAMABAD: An anti-terrorism court in Islamabad on Monday granted bail to 42 individuals arrested in connection with vandalism and property damage during protests that erupted following the killing of Ali Khamenei.

The case was heard by Judge Abul Hasnat Muhammad Zulqarnain, who approved bail for all accused against surety bonds of Rs10,000 each.

Police had registered two separate cases against the suspects at the Secretariat Police Station and Aabpara Police Station under terrorism and other charges.

The protests erupted after Khamenei was killed during strikes carried out by the United States and Israel against Iran. Demonstrations broke out across Pakistan, with violence reported in several cities.

At least 23 protesters were killed nationwide during clashes with security forces, including 10 outside the US consulate in Karachi and 11 in Skardu, where protesters set a United Nations office on fire and authorities deployed the army to restore order. Two more protesters were killed in Islamabad.

In Karachi, demonstrators gathered outside the United States Consulate Karachi chanting slogans against the United States and Israel. Gunfire and tear gas were reported in surrounding streets as protesters set a vehicle on fire outside the consulate’s main gate and clashed with police.

Police responded with tear gas and firing to disperse the crowd. According to Police Surgeon Sameeya Tariq, at least 96 people were injured in the violence.

Protests were also held in several other cities, including Lahore and Peshawar. In Lahore, hundreds gathered outside the United States Consulate Lahore, where police fired tear gas to disperse demonstrators after minor clashes.

In Islamabad, thousands of protesters carrying black flags gathered at Aabpara Chowk and attempted to march towards the Embassy of the United States in Islamabad despite heavy police deployment and containers placed to seal the Red Zone.

Protesters pelted stones at police, breached restricted areas and reached the gates of the Diplomatic Enclave before being pushed back by security forces using tear gas, aerial firing and armoured vehicles.