Islamabad court grants post-arrest bail to journalist Sohrab Barkat

JournalismPakistan.com | Published 1 hour ago | JP Staff Report

An Islamabad court approved post-arrest bail for journalist Sohrab Barkat in a cybercrime case, ordering his release on surety bonds after his arrest at the airport.
Summary

ISLAMABAD — The Islamabad District and Sessions Court has approved the post-arrest bail application of journalist Sohrab Barkat in a case related to controversial online videos and social media posts, according to court proceedings.

Judicial Magistrate Abbas Shah heard the bail plea on Friday and ordered Barkat’s release against surety bonds of one lakh rupees, granting him relief while legal proceedings in the case continue.

Court decision and bail conditions

The case against Barkat was registered by the National Cyber Crime Agency, which had accused him of uploading content described in official records as anti-state. The allegations are linked to videos and posts circulated on digital platforms.

Sohrab Barkat is associated with the news website Siasat.pk and has an active presence on social media platforms, where his content has previously drawn scrutiny from authorities.

Arrest and investigation timeline

Barkat was arrested on November 26 at Islamabad International Airport while he was travelling to attend a UN conference, according to case details shared in court.

Following his arrest, the NCCIA requested a 30-day physical remand for further investigation. The court, however, initially approved a four-day physical remand rather than the full period sought by investigators.

The grant of post-arrest bail does not end the proceedings against Barkat, and the case remains under consideration by the relevant judicial forums. Legal experts note that such bail orders allow accused individuals to remain free while investigations and trials continue, without determining guilt or innocence.

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