Islamabad: A local court in Pakistan has granted bail to journalist Farhan Mallick, who had been in judicial custody under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca) for allegedly disseminating anti-state content, as reported by Geo News.
The court approved Mallick’s bail, requiring him to submit a surety bond of 100,000 Pakistani Rupees (PKR). Mallick, who previously served as the news director for a private television channel, was initially detained by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) on March 20 for allegedly violating Peca and being involved in defamation.
In addition to the Peca case, the court also granted bail to Mallick concerning allegations of his involvement in operating an illegal call center that defrauded foreigners by stealing their data. He was similarly instructed to provide a surety of PKR 100,000 for bail related to this case.
The Peca law has seen recent amendments in Pakistan, prompting protests from journalist bodies, who regard it as an attempt to suppress freedom of speech and intimidate media professionals and their organizations, according to Geo News.
Mallick was charged under multiple sections of Peca, with an FIR stating, “During the inquiry, a technical analysis of the alleged YouTube Channel indicated his involvement in generating and disseminating anti-state posts and videos, which included fake news and had a public incitement agenda.”
The FIR continued, “He has been continuously uploading content that promotes anti-state sentiments, damaging the reputation of public institutions internationally, which constitutes a criminal offense.”
Previously, on March 28, a local court had rejected Mallick’s bail plea, prompting him to challenge it in a district and sessions court. After a court denied the FIA’s request for an extension of his physical remand, he was sent to jail on March 25.
Following the expiry of his four-day physical remand, the FIA presented Mallick before the judicial magistrate, requesting an extension of his remand. However, the court denied this request and placed Mallick in jail on judicial remand.
