UK ends terror probe into Adil Raja due to ‘lack of evidence’

LONDON: Counter-Terrorism Police South East (CTPSE) has withdrawn a terrorism case against social media activist and YouTuber ex-Pakistani Army officer Adil Raja and therefore, no further action will be taken against him for his terrorism-related arrest of May 9 incitement case.

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

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

Sources confirmed that Raja was arrested for the offense of “inciting a non-UK person to commit an act outside the UK – terrorism 09/05/2023”, but police decided to release the ex-serviceman from the investigation “without charge’ and without any further action ‘after consideration of the evidence and other information currently available’.

Police had previously said Geo News that Raja was arrested on suspicion of “inciting terrorism” in Pakistan on May 9 last year, when violent riots broke out after the arrest of Imran Khan, in which several military installations were attacked.

Pakistani authorities had complained to the UK that Raja and Haider Mehdi, a Canadian-based broadcaster and retired Pakistani army officer, had acted in breach of UK law during a live broadcast shortly after the arrest of Khan.

Raja was arrested more than a month after the May 9 violent incidents, but Canadian police took no action against Mehdi.

A police source said the counter-terrorism unit decided to close the investigation following 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 of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984.

During police interviews, Raja denied any involvement in inciting terrorism. He was represented by criminal defense expert Akhtar Ahmad from ABV Solicitors.

Under UK law, a decision not to charge can be reviewed if a review of the decision shows that it was wrong and should not have stood.

After his arrest, Raja was bailed three times while police examined evidence, including Raja’s computer device. Police have returned all electronic devices, including his computer, which they are asking police to pay for their destruction during the investigation.

Raja arrived in the UK after Imran Khan’s government was voted down by parliament. Several cases have been registered against him in Pakistan, with allegations he denies as politically motivated. He lives outside London with his wife and children.