Journalist Rizwan Razi released on bail
JournalismPakistan.com | Published: 10 February 2019
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Rizwan Razi has been released on bail after being arrested by federal authorities for criticizing state agencies on social media. His case highlights ongoing concerns regarding press freedom in Pakistan.Summary
LAHORE – A defense lawyer says that Rizwan-ur-Rehman Razi (pictured, left), a Pakistani journalist arrested by federal authorities for allegedly criticizing state agencies on social media has been released on bail.
Attorney Ejaz Basra says the court in Lahore on Sunday denied a federal prosecutor's request that Razi be held without bail. Instead, the court released him on a bond of about $730.
Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) officials arrested Razi at his Lahore residence on Saturday. He was booked for tweeting against state agencies.
Journalists and press freedom advocates say the military and its agencies are pressuring media outlets to quash critical coverage. The government also is coming heavy on social media, pressuring newspapers and TV stations by slashing their advertising revenue, squeezing a key source of income for local media. - AP
KEY POINTS:
- Rizwan Razi was arrested by the FIA for social media criticism.
- He was released on a bond of approximately $730.
- The Lahore court denied a federal prosecutor's request to hold him without bail.
- Press freedom advocates express concern over state pressure on media.
- Government actions are reportedly affecting media advertising revenue.
