UK ends terrorism investigation against Adil Raja due to 'lack of evidence'

LONDON: Counter-Terrorism Policing 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 9 May terrorism incitement case.

The Youtuber was arrested from Chesham area on terrorism offences by detectives of CTPSE at the Thames Valley Police on June 12, 2023 on suspicion of terrorism offences in Pakistan related to the May 9 violence but the police have now decided to close the case due to “lack of evidence” of Raja’s involvement in the terrorist activities, police sources told this correspondent.

The pro-Imran Khan social media activist was arrested under Section 59 of the UK’s Terrorism Act 2000.

Sources have confirmed that Raja was arrested on the offence of “incite a non-UK person to do act outside the UK – terrorism 09/05/2023” but the police have decided to release the former military officer from the investigation “without charge” and without any further action “after consideration of the evidence and other information that is currently available”.

The police had previously told Geo News that Raja was arrested on suspicion of “inciting terrorism” in Pakistan on May 9 last year when violent riots erupted after the arrest of Imran Khan during which several military installations came under attack.

The Pakistani authorities had complained to the UK that Raja with Haider Mehdi, a Canada-based broadcaster and retired Pakistan army officer, had acted in violation of the UK laws during a live broadcast, immediately after Khan’s arrest.

Raja was arrested over a month after the May 9 violence but the Canadian police took no action against Mehdi.

A police source said the counter-terrorism department has decided to close the investigation after advice from 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 reporter, Winchester Crown Court had issued an arrest and search warrant against Adil Raja on 12 June 20223 under Section 9 Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984.

During the police interviews, Raja denied any involvement in terrorism incitement. He was represented by criminal law defence expert Akhtar Ahmad from ABV Solicitors.

According to UK law, a decision not to charge may be reconsidered if a review of the decision indicates that it was wrong and should not be allowed to stand.

After his arrest, Raja was bailed three times while the police looked at the evidence including Raja’s computer device. The police have returned all electronic devices including his computer for which he is asking the police to pay compensation for damaging it during the investigation.

Raja reached the UK after Imran Khan’s govt was voted out by the parliament. He has several cases registered against him in Pakistan, carrying allegations he denies as politically motivated. He lives outside of London with his wife and children.