Trans-activist Julie Khan, who had been arrested in Islamabad last week has now been released on bail.
The move to grant bail comes after social media outcry saw #FreeJulie and #JusticeforJulie becoming nationwide trends. Social media users used the hashtags to raise their voices against the injustice being carried out and put pressure on the government to take action.
In this case, the social media outcry was also used as a means to mobilize. Members and allies of the transgender community peacefully protested outside the National Press Club on 16 August.
everyone GOOD NEWS Julie’s team went to pick her up from Adiala today!!!! shes out. #JusticeForJulie thank you so so so much for everyone who raised their voice for her & spread awareness 🧡 pic.twitter.com/Cf8sStnRT2
— Mehar Khursheed (@curlistani) August 18, 2020
Despite only being out on bail, and not a full acquittal, Julie being home is still a great accomplishment. One of the main reasons for the outcry was over allegations that she was being imprisoned in men’s jail. District Commisioner Islamabad and police officials claimed she was being kept in a separate area.
Her lawyer Hassaan Niazi, has been vocal about her case and the danger she is in. “It is a life-threatening situation for her,” said lawyer Hassan Niazi in a statement to Independent News Coverage Pakistan.
“She has no support. She is only alive right because of her being famous on social media.”
Julie was arrested on allegedly false charges, without a warrant. Other members of the transgender community spoke out on the matter, clarifying that Julie spoke out on the unwarranted arrest of her friend Rosy, which led to her arrest as well. Since then, the police is being called out on its blatant transphobia and silencing of trans-voices.
Despite the way this case has blown up, official updates on her release have not come in either from her lawyer or police officials. It remains to be seen why they haven’t shared public updates yet and what is yet to come.
