MQM founder’s bail extended by UK court

Muttahida Qaumi Movement founder Altaf Hussain, appeared before a judge via video link at London’s Central Criminal Court on Friday in the incitement to violence case.

The bail was extended and a trial date was also set to begin on June 01, 2020.

MQM founder appeared before Justice Sweeney via a video link at the crown court, after his case was passed on October 10 at a Magistrates court. Prisoner video link (PVL) is not uncommon in Courts in England, this measure is taken to save costs, security reasons or at the request of the lawyer of the defendant.

Altaf Hussain was charged under section 1(2) of the Terrorism Act 2006, by Crown Prosecution Service for inciting terrorism during a speech he made in August 2016. He could face a sentence of 15 years, if convicted, entailing a fine.

He was granted a bail last month by the court, conditioning restrictions to broadcasting speeches, limited movement outside his residence, warning against application for a travel permit and custody of passport to the police.

This is the first offence he has been charged of in the UK, where he’s been living in self imposed exile since 1991. While his party affirms of his innocence, citing allegations against him are fraudulent.