UK court imposes fines for defaming retired Pakistan Army officer Rashid Naseer.
“Defamation case ends in a major legal setback for YouTuber Adil Raja.”
In a significant ruling, the London High Court has ordered YouTuber Adil Raja to publicly apologise to retired Brigadier Rashid Naseer for defaming him. The apology must remain posted on X, Facebook, YouTube, and Raja’s official website for 28 days.
The court also directed Raja to pay a total of £310,000 by December 22, including £50,000 in damages and £260,000 for legal costs. Additional court costs will be determined later.
What Happened in Court?
The ruling was delivered by Justice Richard Spearman. Raja had previously lost a defamation case in October and tried to appeal, but the court has now rejected the appeal.
Brigadier Naseer had asked the court to enforce the October judgment. The court also issued an injunction, preventing Raja from making any further defamatory statements in the future.
Why Did the Court Rule Against Adil Raja?
Raja had accused Brigadier Naseer of:
- Controlling Lahore High Court decisions
- Bribing politicians to influence elections
- Using police to defeat PTI candidates
- Horse-trading on behalf of General Bajwa
The allegations appeared in ten social media posts on X, Facebook, and YouTube. The court ruled all of Raja’s claims as baseless and defamatory.
How This Affects Adil Raja
- Raja must publicly acknowledge the court’s decision
- Pay £310,000 in damages and legal costs by December 22
- Keep the apology posted for 28 days
- Stop publishing any defamatory statements against Brigadier Naseer
Raja’s lawyer said they plan to take the case to the Court of Appeal, keeping the legal battle ongoing.
“A clear warning: Defamation on social media has real legal consequences.”
The case highlights the serious consequences of spreading false information online, especially against public and retired officials. It also adds pressure on Raja, who is already facing an extradition request from Pakistan alongside Shehzad Akbar.
Background
The Pakistani government last week submitted extradition documents to the UK for Shehzad Akbar and Adil Raja, requesting their immediate return. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said:
“These individuals are wanted in Pakistan and should be handed over without delay.”
Akbar, a PTI member, served as an advisor to the former prime minister Imran Khan, who is currently incarcerated.