UK Police Investigate Journalist for Social Media Post

A joint session of journalist bodies and the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) condemned the government's Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Bill 2024, which allows for prolonged detention without judicial oversight based on mere suspicion, thereby threatening freedom of expression and press in the country. The participants demanded the restoration of internet services and the lifting of the ban on X, emphasizing that security shouldn't justify disruption of communication. In the UK, Telegraph columnist Allison Pearson faced police scrutiny for a year-old social media post, leading to accusations of inciting racial hatred without clarity on the specific allegations. This incident has sparked significant backlash against the police's approach to free speech, with figures like Boris Johnson criticizing the prioritization of such investigations over serious crime. Critics argue that this could have a chilling effect on free expression, reinforcing concerns over an Orwellian state of policing. As the situation unfolds, both Pakistan and the UK are grappling with the balance between security measures and civil liberties.