FIA summons Asad Ali Toor for 'defaming state institution'

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 1 June 2021

The FIA has issued a summons to journalist Asad Ali Toor over allegations of defaming state institutions on social media. The inquiry follows a complaint by a resident of Rawalpindi.

Summary

ISLAMABAD—The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has summoned journalist and YouTuber Asad Ali Toor in an inquiry about 'defamation of state institution' on social media.

The FIA Cyber Crime Reporting Center in Rawalpindi has reportedly sent a notice titled 'Order for attendance under Section 160 CrPC for recording of statement,' to the journalist's Islamabad residence.

According to the notice, FIA Cyber Crime Rawalpindi is currently conducting an inquiry regarding "defamation of institution of Government of Pakistan through social media" in response to a complaint by Fayyaz Mehmood Raja, a Rawalpindi resident.

However, the notice dated May 31 does not name the institution.

Raja, in his complaint to the FIA, stated that he watched Toor's video on social media on May 27, "where the journalist had leveled allegations against state institutions."

"Asad Toor is working under an organized conspiracy to defame state institutions," the complainant alleged. He also called for legal action against Toor and the closure of his YouTube channel.

"The available facts suggest that you are well aware of the facts/circumstances of said inquiry," the FIA notice read, requiring the journalist to appear before the FIA on June 4 at 11:00 am.

The notice said criminal proceedings could be initiated against the journalist in case of non-compliance.

KEY POINTS:

• FIA summons Asad Ali Toor for recording a statement.
• Complaint alleges defamation of state institutions on social media.
• Notice is part of an inquiry initiated by the FIA Cyber Crime Branch.
• Toor is required to appear before the FIA on June 4.
• Criminal proceedings could be initiated for non-compliance.