The CPS had informed the police that there was no realistic prospect of a successful prosecution against Adil Raja.
LONDON: The Counter Terrorism Police South East (CTPSE) has dropped a terrorism case against social media activist and YouTuber, former Pakistan Army officer, Adil Raja and as a result, no further action will be taken against him over his arrest related to the terrorism of May 9. case of incitement.
The YouTuber was arrested in the Chesham area for terrorism offenses by CTPSE detectives at Thames Valley Police on June 12, 2023 on suspicion of terrorism offenses in Pakistan relating to the May 9 violence, but police have now has decided to close the case due to “Lack of evidence” of Raja's involvement in terrorist activities, police sources told this correspondent.
Pro-Imran social media activist Khan was arrested under Section 59 of the UK Terrorism Act 2000.
Sources have confirmed that Raja was arrested for the crime of “inciting a non-British person to act outside the United Kingdom – terrorism 09/05/2023”, but the police decided to release the former military officer from the investigation “without charge” . and no further action “after considering the evidence and other information currently available.”
Police had previously said Geographic news that Raja was arrested on suspicion of “inciting terrorism” in Pakistan on May 9 last year when violent riots broke out after the arrest of Imran Khan during which several military installations were attacked.
Pakistani authorities had complained to the UK that Raja and Haider Mehdi, a Canada-based broadcaster and retired Pakistani army officer, had acted in violation of UK laws during a live broadcast, immediately after the arrest. of Khan.
Raja was arrested more than a month after the May 9 violence, but Canadian police took no action against Mehdi.
A police source said the counter-terrorism department decided to close the investigation after being advised by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) that there was no realistic prospect of a successful prosecution against Raja due to “insufficient evidence”.
According to evidence seen by this journalist, Winchester Crown Court had issued an arrest and search warrant for Adil Raja on 12 June 20223 under section 9 of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984.
During police interrogations, Raja denied any involvement in inciting terrorism. He was represented by criminal defense expert Akhtar Ahmad of ABV Solicitors.
Under UK law, a decision not to press charges can be reconsidered if a review of the decision indicates that it was incorrect and should not be allowed to stand.
After his arrest, Raja was released on bail three times while police examined evidence, including Raja's computer device. The police have returned all his electronic devices, including his computer, so he is asking the police to pay compensation for damaging it during the investigation.
Raja came to the UK after Parliament ousted Imran Khan's government. He has several cases registered against him in Pakistan, with allegations he denies are politically motivated. He lives on the outskirts of London with his wife and children.
