Journalist Arrested Under Controversial Law for Criticizing Institutions, Raising Concerns Over Free Speech
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Asad Toor was arrested under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca) for criticizing powerful institutions and the Supreme Court judgement denying PTI its election symbol.
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Peca was originally meant to prevent terrorism, but has been widely misused to suppress dissent and curtail free speech.
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Toor's arrest violates his rights and protections as a journalist, including confidentiality of sources.
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Restricting free speech and journalistic protections contradicts Pakistan's constitution and international obligations.
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The text questions if Pakistanis are truly free given the threats journalists face for speaking the truth.