In a shocking turn of events, a Lahore-based man, Farhan Asif, has been booked by the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) cybercrime wing for spreading disinformation about a knife attack in the UK. The attack, which occurred on July 29, 2024, resulted in the deaths of three minor girls and sparked widespread violent riots across the UK.
Asif, who works for a news platform, confessed to sharing false information about the alleged perpetrator, claiming that a 17-year-old Muslim boy named Ali Al-Shakti was responsible for the attack. The riots that followed saw numerous mosques, asylum centers, and immigrant homes being attacked, resulting in thousands of arrests.
The FIA’s investigation revealed that Asif shared photos and an article on X, which went viral and contributed to the spread of misinformation. During the investigation, Asif attempted to blame others for the false information, but later confessed to his role in spreading disinformation.
The case against Asif was filed under Section 9 and 10A of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016, and he was arrested on Tuesday night in Lahore’s DHA area. Two laptops and a mobile phone were recovered from him as part of the investigation.
This incident highlights the dangers of disinformation and its potential to spark violence and chaos. The spread of false information can have serious consequences, and it is essential to verify information before sharing it.
The FIA’s swift action in booking Asif is a step in the right direction towards combating disinformation and holding those responsible accountable.
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