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Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has been charged with terrorism threats as the former politician tries to regain political power.
The indictment stems from a speech Khan gave on Saturday. The divisive politician has promised to sue Islamabad’s police chief and a female judge for alleged abuse against one of Khan’s party members.
“Get ready too. We will take action against you too,” Khan reportedly said in a speech. “Everyone, you should be ashamed.”
A political colleague Khan was defending was Shabazz Gill. Gill was charged with treason after he urged soldiers and officers to refuse to follow “illegal orders” from military leaders during a television appearance.
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Under Pakistani law, treason is punishable by death. Gil spoke channel ARY remains off-air in Pakistan after the broadcast.
Khan claims Gil, who suffers from asthma, was tortured while in police custody. Pakistani authorities have denied any abuse during their custody.
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The arrests come at a time when Pakistan faces growing divisions and a political crisis, with Khan holding mass rallies to return to work.
Khan was prime minister from 2018 to April 2022, but was ousted after a no-confidence vote in the Pakistani parliament.
Khan’s opposition concluded that his policies had exacerbated inflation and caused values to plummet Pakistani rupee. The downfall even sparked a constitutional crisis that required the intervention of Pakistan’s Supreme Court.
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Khan could face several years in prison for allegedly threatening police officers and judges. Khan himself appeared still free on Monday and he did not immediately address the police indictment filed against him.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.