Despite being given a clean chit by the Punjab police officials, the Pakistani who was arrested for allegedly hoisting an Indian flag was denied bail by the Okara district court. Deccan Chronicle reported that Umar Draz, the captured fan of Indian batsman Virat Kohli will remain in jail for a considerable period of time.
Draz’s attorney was understandably frustrated with the verdict of judge Anique Anwar. He said, “We are disappointed and will challenge the decision in the session's court.” Aamir Bhatti who was representing the accused maintained his stance that his client was innocent and only showing his support for his favorite cricketer who happens to be an Indian.
Senior police officer Aziz Cheema stated that he had filed his report after arriving at a conclusion that Umar had not committed any treason. Bhatti also asserted, “This is not a case in which someone was hoisting the flag of any country for its love. During football World Cup matches people here used to hoist Brazil and Argentina flags and nobody minds it because the gesture is seen in a sports perspective. This is a similar case.”
I am a big fan of Virat Kohli: Umar Draz
The 22-year old who is a tailor by profession was arrested following India’s victory over Australia in the first match of the KFC T20I series when he unveiled the tricolor of Pakistan’s bitter rivals over his rooftop.
He was sentenced to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment for threatening Pakistan’s sovereignty. In his response, Umar claimed, “I am a big fan of Virat Kohli. I support the Indian team because of Kohli. Hoisting of Indian flag on the rooftop of my house only shows my love for the Indian cricketer.”
When police raided his house after receiving complaints, they found posters of the star batsman all over his walls. Despite rumors that Kohli would step in to solve his fan’s anguish, it seems that Umar Draz has been left helpless.
Draz was charged under section 123-A of Pakistan Penal Code and 16 Maintenance of Public Order which carries a 10-year prison term alongside a hefty fine. Legal experts and sports aficionados have pleaded to Pakistan’s law enforcement officials to dissociate politics from sports by releasing the young man.
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