A Pakistani anti-terrorism court has sentenced eight journalists and social media commentators to life imprisonment in absentia. The convictions are linked to online activity supporting former Prime Minister Imran Khan and stem from cases registered after violent protests on May 9, 2023. The court cited terrorism-related offenses, stating their online material promoted "fear and unrest." Most convicted are believed to be outside Pakistan. The Committee to Protect Journalists criticized the investigations as retaliation against critical reporting and called for an end to media intimidation.