FIR lodged against lawyers for beating up YouTuber Rajab Butt

The City Courts police have lodged an FIR against over a dozen lawyers in connection with an assault on YouTuber Rajab Butt during a court appearance.

The incident took place on Monday when Butt arrived at the City Courts for hearing of his bail plea in a case registered against him for allegedly hurting religious sentiments.

The case was registered on the complaint of Butt’s counsel, Barrister Mian Ali Ashfaq.

The FIR names lawyers Riaz Ali Solangi and Abdul Fatah Chandio, along with 15 to 20 unidentified lawyers. Solangi is also the complainant in the separate case filed against Butt under blasphemy-related provisions.

Police said the FIR includes charges related to rioting, armed rioting, criminal intimidation, causing injury, and theft under various sections of the Pakistan Penal Code.

In his complaint, Ashfaq stated that Butt reached the City Court around 9am. He alleged that near the judicial complex's West Building, the named lawyers and others attacked Butt and beat him, causing injuries. Ashfaq also claimed that he and other members of his legal team were assaulted during the incident.

The complainant alleged that Butt was carrying a bag containing Rs300,000 at the time, which was snatched during the attack. While the bag was later returned, the cash was missing, according to the FIR.

Ashfaq also claimed that Butt was forcibly taken before an additional district and sessions judge (Central), where he was allegedly threatened with death.

The police said that investigations are under way and further action will be taken in light of the findings.