JournalismPakistan.com | Published February 09, 2019
Join our WhatsApp channel
WASHINGTON, D.C - The Committee to Protect Journalists on Saturday called on Pakistani authorities to immediately release and drop all legal proceedings against Rizwan-ur-Rehman Razi, a TV host for Din News.
Razi was arrested and taken into custody Saturday morning in Lahore, according to news reports and CPJ reporting.
"Expressing opinions, even critical opinions, should not be a crime, in Pakistan or anywhere," said CPJ Asia Program Coordinator Steven Butler. "Justice - and Pakistan's constitutional guarantee of freedom of the press - can only be served by Rizwan Razi's immediate release."
Razi, also known as "Razi Dada," was taken from his home at 10:30 a.m., according to his son, Osama Razi, who told CPJ his father was beaten and bundled into a black car, which he then chased after as it sped away from the house in Lahore.
In an interview with CPJ, Federal Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry confirmed that Razi had been arrested by the Federal Investigation Agency for social media postings that allegedly violated Pakistan's Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act. A photograph was later circulated showing Razi in handcuffs.
A First Information Report released by the FIA Cyber Crime Wing, which CPJ has seen, said that Razi had put up "defamatory and obnoxious posts" on his Twitter account against the "judiciary, government institutions and intelligence agencies" of Pakistan. The FIR further stated that Razi had "confessed" to uploading the posts, apologized and promised to refrain from posting similar material in the future. The agency also said it had seized and searched Razi's mobile phone.
Although it was unclear what specifically led to the arrest, earlier this month, Razi had criticized extrajudicial killings in Punjab at the hands of security forces and pointed fingers at the Army, according to screenshots of Twitter postings provided to CPJ. Razi's Twitter account, @RaziDada, appeared to have been disabled on Saturday.
Osama Razi said that he expected his father to be released after he goes before a judge for formal charging, although this was not guaranteed. – A CPJ News Alert
October 12, 2024: A critical look at the increasing attacks on press freedom in Pakistan, from harassment of female journalists to violent assaults and unjust detentions. Despite condemnations, no action plan has been put in place to address these violations.
October 12, 2024: PFUJ strongly condemns adding journalists to NACTA's Schedule IV list, emphasizing that journalism is a profession and the fourth pillar of democracy, not a crime.
October 10, 2024: The Digital Media Alliance of Pakistan (DigiMAP) strongly condemns the inclusion of senior journalists on NACTA's Schedule IV list and calls for the immediate release of Ehsan Naseem, arrested after interviewing Manzoor Pashteen. DigiMAP demands respect for press freedom and journalist rights.
October 09, 2024: Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists slams PEMRA for issuing notices to TV channels over Karachi attack coverage, calling it pressure tactics and demanding immediate withdrawal.
October 08, 2024: The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) condemns the closure of Daily 92's Islamabad office, which has caused widespread unemployment among journalists and media workers. PFUJ calls for the immediate reversal of the decision, criticizing management for irresponsible actions during economic hardship.
October 07, 2024: Geo News anchors criticize Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif for using the banned platform X to address the Karachi attack. Their remarks spark debate over the government’s selective use of banned social media. Read more about the ongoing legal case challenging the X ban.
October 06, 2024: The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) condemns violence against journalists during a PTI protest and demands the immediate release of Faizan Hussain, a senior journalist detained by the government.
October 03, 2024: Veteran journalists condemn threats made by TLP leader Anas Rizvi against senior journalist Azaz Syed, urging the government to take immediate action to ensure his safety and protect press freedom.
October 09, 2024 The Committee to Protect Journalists welcomes the release of Kashmiri journalist Sajad Gul on bail after over two years of arbitrary detention. CPJ urges Jammu and Kashmir authorities to end the prosecution of Gul and allow media freedom in the region.
October 08, 2024 Mid-career journalists from the U.S. and abroad can apply for the Knight-Wallace Journalism Fellowship at the University of Michigan. This prestigious fellowship offers a year of academic study with a stipend of US$85,000.
October 06, 2024 The International Labour Organization (ILO) invites journalists to participate in its 10th Global Media Competition, aiming to promote fair and balanced reporting on labor migration. Join the initiative to highlight the positive contributions of migrant workers and combat discrimination.
October 06, 2024 Explore how Thailand's media covers pressing environmental challenges, including climate change, pollution, and conservation efforts. This article examines the role of journalism in raising awareness and fostering public engagement on critical environmental issues.
October 06, 2024 Discover the essential techniques and tips for conducting successful sports interviews. This article explores how to engage athletes and ask the right questions to deliver compelling stories.