Pakistani Court Acquits Web Developer of Cyber Terrorism Charges Amid UK Riot Disinformation Scandal

A Pakistani court acquitted Farhan Asif, a web developer, of cyber terrorism charges related to disinformation that incited riots in the UK. Asif, linked with Channel3Now, was initially accused of spreading false news about a stabbing incident. The FIA found no evidence against him, leading to his release.

In a significant development, a Pakistani court on Monday cleared web developer Farhan Asif of cyber terrorism charges. The case, which had broader international ramifications, stemmed from allegations that Asif spread disinformation leading to race-motivated riots in the UK.

Farhan Asif, 32, was implicated due to his association with Channel3Now, a platform accused of disseminating false news about a stabbing incident in Southport, UK. However, upon investigation by Pakistan's Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), Asif was found innocent.

The FIA discovered no evidence linking Asif directly to the generating of the fake news, which had been traced back to a different source. This revelation led to Asif's acquittal by the court, closing a chapter of heightened scrutiny and international tension.

(With inputs from agencies.)