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Altaf Hussain charged over 'hate speech' in UK

The Metropolitan Police have confirmed that Altaf Hussain, the self-exiled founder of one of Pakistan's biggest political parties has been charged with a terrorism offence in the UK.

The 66-year-old had been charged in connection with a speech he made to supporters in Karachi, Pakistan, in August 2016.

Hussain was arrested at his address in north London on 11 June and is due to appear in court later on 10 October. He  requested asylum in the 1990s and later gained UK citizenship.

Despite a split in the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), Hussain still wields considerable influence in the party he founded and its main power base, Karachi. The Pakistani authorities have repeatedly demanded action be taken against him - but his supporters have always maintained his innocence.

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