YouTuber Rajab Butt gets interim bail in blasphemy case
Entertainment
The case was filed after a video went viral on social media, in which the YouTuber was allegedly seen performing prayer while music played in the background.
(Web Desk) - A sessions court has granted interim bail to YouTuber Rajab Butt, who is facing charges over allegedly hurting religious sentiments through a social media video.
The case was registered in January at the Hyderi Market police station following a complaint filed by lawyer Riaz Ali Solangi under Section 295-A of the Pakistan Penal Code, which pertains to deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings.
According to the FIR, the complainant stated that he watched a video in December 2024 that had gone viral on social media, in which the YouTuber was allegedly seen performing prayer while music played in the background. The complainant claimed the act was disrespectful and caused emotional distress and anger among Muslims.
It is worth noting that the FIR was registered after a sessions court approved an application filed under Section 22-A of the Criminal Procedure Code, directing the station house officer of Hyderi Market to formally lodge the case.
Several months after the registration of the FIR, Mr Butt appeared before the additional district and sessions judge (Central) on Friday and requested pre-arrest bail.
Also read: YouTubers Rajab Butt, Nadeem Naniwala granted interim bail in gambling app case
After a preliminary hearing, the court granted him interim bail against a surety bond of Rs100,000 and adjourned the matter until December 29 for further proceedings, including confirmation or rejection of the bail plea.
Speaking to the media, Rajab Butt’s counsel argued that cases involving such sensitive matters could not be initiated by private individuals. He maintained that offences under Section 295-A fall within the jurisdiction of provincial or federal authorities, as outlined under Section 196 of the CrPC.
It is pertinent to note that earlier a local court in Lahore has granted interim bail to Rajab Butt and Nadeem Mubarak, alias Nadeem Naniwala, in a case related to the promotion of a gambling app.
