Journalists Amir Mir Imran Shafqat released after being arrested by FIA in Lahore

The Federal Examination Company (FIA) on Saturday apprehended two reporters– Amir Mir as well as Imran Shafqat– in Lahore for their “ill-mannered attitude” versus the Pakistan Military, the judiciary as well as ladies.

According to a news release issued by the FIA’s Cyber Crime wing Lahore, the journalists were jailed after situations were registered versus them under Sections 11, 13, 20 and 24 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016 and also Sections 469, 500, 505 and 509 of the Pakistan Penal Code.

The declaration declared that two YouTube channels the men were connected with, Googly and also Tellings, were releasing messages trying to deteriorate nationwide safety and security organizations and the judiciary while likewise damaging public rely on the institutions.

The declaration claimed both suspects had actually been launched on bail while the examination against them would proceed. The FIA stated it would gather much more proof versus both journalists and also submit a challan to the court.

The apprehension of the two reporters was quick to gather interest on social networks, with politicians, civil liberties activists and the journalist community condemning the FIA’s action.

PPP chairperson Bilawal Bhutto Zardari condemned the arrests as well as demanded the launch of Mir and Shafqat.

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“Imran Khan continues victimisation of political challengers as well as media movie critics to hide his incompetence and also failures,” he claimed.

Strongly condemn the arrest of journalists #AmirMir and #ImranShafqat . Imran Khan continues victimization of political opponents and media critics to hide his incompetence and failures. Demand release immediately.

— BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) August 7, 2021

The Human Rights Payment of Pakistan (HRCP) called the apprehensions “inexcusable”. “It is no coincidence that both are referred to as dissenting voices,” the HRCP claimed.

The fact that two journalists – Imran Shafqat and Amir Mir – have been taken into custody by the FIA in the space of one day is inexcusable. It is no coincidence that both are known as dissenting voices. We demand that Mr Shafqat and Mr Mir be released immediately.

— Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (@HRCP87) August 7, 2021

Journalist Rauf Klasra, while calling out the apprehensions, claimed “silencing voices in media wont aid”.

“Program tolerance to those that do not toe your line or refuse to fall in line. It will only bring [a] bad name to establishments,” he stated.

I have worked with Amir Mir & always found him a professional and hard hitting journalist. Release him and Imran Shafqat. Silencing voices in media wont help. Show tolerance to those who don’t toe your line or refuse to fall in line. It will only bring bad name to institutions.

— Rauf Klasra (@KlasraRauf) August 7, 2021

Former legislator Afrasiab Khattak called the incident an assault on “whatever continues to be of press liberty” in the nation.

“Kidnapping changing apprehensions (even under the blackest of laws) reflects the nature of unconstitutional regimen ruling the nation,” he said.

Abduction of two prominent journalists Imran Shafqat and Amir Mir is a condemnable attack on whatever remains of media freedom. Abduction replacing arrests (even under the blackest of laws) reflects the nature of unconstitutional regime ruling the country.#JournalismIsNotACrime

— Afrasiab Khattak (@a_siab) August 7, 2021