"A man accused of murdering a 17-year-old social media influencer at her home in Pakistan after she repeatedly rejected his advances has been formally indicted. Sana Yousaf's murder in June this year drew nationwide condemnation and reignited debate over women's safety, after some online comments alongside condolences blamed her for her own death. The 22-year-old accused, Umar Hayat, also a TikTok influencer, pleaded not guilty in a court in the capital Islamabad on Saturday as the trial formally began."
"All the allegations made against me are baseless and false, Hayat, who is from Faisalabad city in Punjab province, told Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka. The court adjourned the hearing until September 25, when it will hear from witnesses and formally frame the charges, reported Pakistan's The Express Tribune newspaper. Yousaf had more than a million followers on social media accounts, including TikTok, where she shared videos of her favourite cafes, skincare products and traditional outfits."
"According to police, Yousaf was shot at close range inside her home. Hayat reportedly entered her house, opened fire, and then fled the scene. Police described the killing as a gruesome and cold-blooded murder, alleging Hayat killed Yousaf after she repeatedly rejected his proposals. Charges against the accused include murder and taking away the victim's mobile phone in an attempt to wipe out the evidence of being repeatedly rejected by her, Pakistan's English-language newspaper Dawn reported Islamabad Inspector General Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi as saying."
Umar Hayat, 22, pleaded not guilty to the killing of 17-year-old Sana Yousaf, who was shot at close range inside her home in June. Police allege Hayat entered her house, opened fire and fled, and that the killing followed repeated rejections of his proposals. Charges include murder and seizing the victim's mobile phone to destroy evidence. Yousaf had more than a million social media followers, primarily on TikTok. The killing provoked nationwide condemnation, renewed debate over women's safety and online victim-blaming. The Islamabad court adjourned proceedings until September 25 to hear witnesses and formally frame charges.
Read at www.aljazeera.com
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