July 21, 2025 – London, UK
The defamation trial against Soldier Speaks founder Adil Raja, launched by retired Brigadier Rashid Naseer, commenced today at the Royal Courts of Justice in London (Case No. QB-2022-002648). This high-stakes case, which we believe is a Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP), represents a critical battle to protect free speech and expose the truth about Pakistan’s military establishment. Day 1 of the trial, scheduled to run until July 24, 2025, saw powerful moments as Adil Raja stood firm against attempts to silence his voice.
Day 1 Highlights: Standing Up to Intimidation
Adil Raja, joining via video link from UK, faced Brigadier Rashid Naseer, who appeared in person to claim that Adil’s social media posts—highlighting alleged corruption, electoral interference, judicial manipulation, and human rights abuses—were defamatory. Naseer testified that our exposés caused him personal distress, including threats and harassment, and claimed a follower of Soldier Speaks attempted to harm him. However, during cross-examination by our counsel, Simon Harding, Naseer’s claims faced scrutiny. Questions arose about how he funds this costly lawsuit and his children’s U.S. education on a modest military pension (estimated at £600–£900 monthly), hinting at possible backing from powerful forces in Pakistan—a point we believe deserves further exploration.
Our defense team proudly presented key witnesses, including former PTI accountability adviser Shahzad Akbar, who testified in person, and respected journalists Shaheen Sehbai and Syed Akbar Hussain, who gave evidence remotely from the U.S. due to safety concerns. These brave individuals, undeterred by reported intimidation in Pakistan, underscored the public interest in our mission to hold the powerful accountable. The court’s approval of remote testimony reflects the serious risks faced by those who speak truth to power.
A SLAPP to Silence Soldier Speaks
We at Soldier Speaks view this lawsuit as a textbook SLAPP, orchestrated to drain our resources and suppress our journalism. The National Union of Journalists’ London Freelance Branch has stood in solidarity, recognizing this case as a threat to press freedom. Adil Raja’s posts on YouTube, Facebook, and X have shed light on issues Pakistan’s military establishment would rather keep hidden. The court has ruled that nine of our ten statements are defamatory at common law and treated as fact, placing the burden on us to prove their truth or public interest. We are ready to meet this challenge head-on, confident that our evidence will expose the reality behind these allegations.
Why This Matters
This trial is not just about Adil Raja—it’s about every voice daring to challenge oppression. The support from our community on X and beyond has been overwhelming, with many calling this a landmark case against transnational repression. We remain committed to our mission at Soldier Speaks: to amplify the voiceless and hold the powerful accountable, no matter the cost.
Stay With Us
As the trial continues through July 24, we’ll keep you updated on every development. Follow us on X, YouTube, and SoldierSpeaks.org for real-time updates. Thank you for standing with us in this fight for truth and justice.
#SoldierSpeaks #PressFreedom #TruthWillPrevail
