A Pakistani anti-terrorism court has sentenced eight journalists and social media commentators to life imprisonment in absentia after convicting them of terrorism-related offences linked to online activity expressing support for jailed former prime minister Imran Khan.

The convictions arise from cases registered following the violent protests of 9 May 2023, when supporters of Khan attacked military installations after his brief arrest. In the aftermath, Pakistan’s government and military launched a broad crackdown on Khan’s political party and dissenting voices, relying on anti-terrorism legislation and military-linked legal processes to pursue hundreds of people accused of incitement and attacks on state institutions.

In its ruling, the court said the actions of the accused “fell within the ambit of terrorism” under Pakistani law, stating that their online content promoted “fear and unrest” in society. Court documents indicate that most of those convicted are believed to be living outside Pakistan and did not appear during the proceedings.

Those sentenced include former army officers turned YouTubers Adil Raja and Syed Akbar Hussain, journalists Wajahat Saeed Khan, Sabir Shakir and Shaheen Sehbai, commentator Haider Raza Mehdi, and analyst Moeed Pirzada. According to the court decision, all were convicted for terrorism-related offences tied to digital content and commentary.

Saeed Khan, who resides in New York, said in a statement that he was never formally notified of the case. He said he was not served a summons, informed of proceedings, or contacted by the court, describing the ruling as lacking due process and legal credibility. Reuters said it was unable to reach the other journalists, commentators, or their legal representatives for comment.

Media freedom groups have previously raised concerns about the use of anti-terrorism laws against journalists in Pakistan. In 2023, the Committee to Protect Journalists said the investigations appeared to amount to retaliation for critical reporting and called on authorities to drop the cases and end what it described as intimidation and censorship of the media.

The court imposed life sentences along with additional prison terms and fines, ordering further imprisonment if the fines are not paid. All sentences are subject to confirmation by the Islamabad High Court.