Islamabad (HRNW) — Journalist Bilal Ghouri was produced before the court after completion of his three-day physical remand in a case being heard by the Sessions Court.
Judicial Magistrate Malik Aman heard the case, while the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) requested a further six-day physical remand of Bilal Ghouri.
Bilal Ghouri’s lawyer, Imran Shafique, opposed the request, arguing that the alleged recovery had already been completed and questioned what further remand was required for.
The lawyer further argued that Bilal Ghouri’s mobile phone and laptop had already been taken into custody and that the authorities also had access to his social media accounts. He questioned how the statement attributed to his client could be declared incorrect without first establishing the basis for doing so.
Imran Shafique also told the court that if the statement was being considered false, the accused had not even been properly questioned about it.
Bilal Ghouri told the court that all his accounts, mobile phone and laptop were already in the possession of the authorities.
The investigating officer, however, stated that two-factor verification was enabled on the accounts, creating difficulties in logging in.
During the hearing, Bilal Ghouri expressed frustration over the continued remand, saying, “The only thing left now is for them to pull the tongue out of my mouth.”
After hearing the arguments, the court reserved its decision on the request for further physical remand.
Human Angle
Cases involving journalists and alleged cyber offences require a careful balance between investigation and fundamental rights. Transparent procedures, access to legal counsel, freedom of expression and due process are essential to ensuring that investigative powers are not misused.
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Disclaimer
This report is based on information provided regarding the court proceedings and statements made by the defence and investigating authorities. Allegations against the accused have not been judicially established, and the final outcome remains subject to due process and the decision of the competent court.
