Pakistani Man Charged with Cyber Terrorism Over UK Misinformation

Pakistani police arrested Farhan Asif, a freelance web developer, for allegedly spreading misinformation that led to rioting in the UK. The misinformation falsely claimed a UK stabbing suspect was a Muslim asylum-seeker, inciting violence. Asif denies originating the posts, and the case is now with the Federal Investigation Agency.

Pakistani police have apprehended Farhan Asif, a 32-year-old freelance web developer, charging him with cyber terrorism for allegedly disseminating misinformation that triggered riots in the UK earlier this month, a senior police investigator disclosed on Wednesday.

According to Imran Kishwar, deputy inspector general of investigations in Lahore, Asif is accused of sharing false information from YouTube and Facebook regarding a British teenager involved in a fatal stabbing attack. The misinformation suggested the suspect was a newly arrived Muslim asylum-seeker, inciting a violent mob to attack a mosque the following day.

The unrest led to more than a week of riots across the UK, resulting in over 1,000 arrests. Authorities attribute the violence to far-right agitators who perpetuated the falsehoods online. Asif, who claims he merely reposted the misinformation, has been handed over to the Federal Investigation Agency. It remains unclear if Britain has sought his extradition.

(With inputs from agencies.)