Asad Toor sent on a five-day physical remand
FIA took Toor into custody on Monday after he arrived its office to answer summon notices issued to him last week
Journalist Asad Toor was sent on a five-day physical remand in a case related to the anti-judiciary campaign on social media.
Asad Toor was presented before Judicial Magistrate Mohammad Shabbir of the district and session court in Islamabad on Tuesday by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).
During the hearing, the FIA sought the journalist’s physical remand.
Subsequently, the court accepted the request and remanded Toor in FIA’s custody for five days.
“I am a journalist and cannot give my mobile phone. I appeared before FIA twice, my lawyer said that he received the notice in hand on February 24,” said Toor during the hearing.
He added that they moved the high court against the call-up notice, and reached the FIA office with the high court’s order on February 26 to inquire about the FIR and the allegations levelled against him.
Asad Toor’s legal team confirmed on Monday evening that he had been arrested by the agency.
Condemanations pour in over Asad Toor’s arrest:
HRCP is seriously concerned by the news of journalist @AsadAToor's arrest by the FIA. He should be released immediately and any curbs on freedom of expression removed promptly.
— Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (@HRCP87) February 27, 2024
NCHR is deeply concerned by the arrest of journalist #AsadToor . The PECA law is a problematic law that needs thorough review. Freedom of speech and information is a fundamental right which must be upheld at all costs.
— National Commission for Human Rights (@nchrofficial) February 27, 2024
Asad Toor’s arrest is yet another blow for freedom of expression. Before judiciary goes out on a witch hunt perhaps they should take a moment out to reflect on their own shortcomings. Their record has never been anything to write home about !
— Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar (@mustafa_nawazk) February 27, 2024
