Chief of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) will be tried for terrorism for a firebrand speech he delivered via telephone in his home country of Pakistan.
The United Kingdom’s Crown Prosecution Service confirmed the news of the trial which is to begin from January 31, 2022.
Altaf Hussain was charged under UK’s terrorism act on suspicion of intentionally encouraging or assisting offences.
Hussain in the past has sought delays in the trial citing serious health concerns and COVID-19 pandemic situation in the country.
Sources in the CPS revealed that the trial had been postponed twice in the past heeding the concerns raised by the leader of MQM.
Hussain’s lawyer has maintained that the MQM founder had made the speech only for “political purposes” and did not encourage terrorism nor mean to do anything violent, damage properties, intimidate opponents or any state institution or media house.
UK authorities launched the investigations into the matter after an FIR was lodged in Karachi naming the MQM leader as the instigator.
