MQM leader Altaf Hussain aquitted in encouraging terrorism case

LONDON: Altaf Hussain, the leader of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), has been acquitted of instigating terrorism in Karachi in London.

The media said that 10 out of 12 jurors voted for Hussain in the Kingston upon Thames Crown Court trial, and they do not believe Hussain violates the UK’s anti-terrorism laws. Hussain’s attorney told the court that the MQM leader would not speak during the trial.

The MQM founder had two counts of charges related to encouraging terrorism through telephonic speeches made to his followers from London on August 22, 2016.

The court dispute ended last week. Hussain was initially expected to assume that he would take the stand, but his lawyer ultimately told the court that he had decided against it.

Judge May said Hussain’s decision was his right and the jury could conclude that Hussain did not testify at trial and contradicted his speech.

Hussain, who has been in self-exile since more than two decades, has been a contentious figure in Pakistan as well as he is wanted in connection to several cases. Hussain had sought asylum in the 1990s and was granted citizenship in the UK. Pakistani authorities have, meanwhile, time and again asked for action against the MQM founder for triggering people towards disorder in the country.