A Pakistani judge has acquitted Farhan Asif, a man who was charged with spreading misinformation that contributed to widespread rioting in the United Kingdom earlier this month. The decision was announced on Monday, just days after Asif’s arrest in Lahore, the capital of Punjab province.
Asif, a 32-year-old freelance web developer, was initially charged with cyberterrorism following a raid on his home. Authorities had accused him of disseminating false information on social media, which reportedly played a role in igniting violence in the UK.
During a court hearing on Monday, Asif informed the judge that he had deleted the incorrect post within six hours after realizing it was inaccurate. Federal investigators subsequently told the court that they lacked sufficient evidence to prove that Asif had intentionally spread misinformation.
Following the hearing, the judge ordered Asif’s release, and he walked free. Asif’s defense lawyer, Rana Rizwan, spoke to reporters after the acquittal, confirming that the charges were dismissed due to the lack of evidence.