Lahore: A Pakistani anti-terrorism court today sentenced the infamous 'car-smasher' to 11 years in jail and slapped a fine of over 1 lakh rupees for spreading "terror in society".
Shahid Aziz alias Gullu Butt, who shot to fame after being caught on camera smashing cars belonging to fiery cleric Tahirul Qadri's supporters on June 17 here, was sentenced by Judge Ayub Marth of Lahore anti-terrorism court.
The handlebar-moustached Butt, a supporter of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's PML-N party, was handed down 11-year sentence and Rs 1,10,000 fine for "spreading terrorism through his act of vandalising public property," Kashif Zaidi, a counsel for Gullu Butt, said.
Terming the sentence 'harsh' Zaidi said, "We will file an appeal in the Lahore High Court against the ATC verdict."
The baton-wielding man (Butt) was caught by private TV channels smashing the cars belonging to Qadri's supporters on June 17.
Qadri supporters allege that Butt took part in the action?against anti-government protesters under the patronage of the Punjab police. The clash has resulted in the killings of 14 people, including two women.
Butt was arrested after a public outcry and a case was registered against him under terrorism charges.
Talking to reporters after the verdict, Butt said, "I am innocent. In fact police spread terrorism and made false propaganda against me."
"I apologise to the entire nation. I am ready to seek forgiveness from Qadri sahib," he added.
Qazi Faiz, spokesman for Pakistan Awami Tahreek of Qadri, said the families of the 14 people killed on June 17 by police action are still waiting for justice from the courts.
"A murder case has been registered against Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif and others but the police have sealed the FIR," Butt said and urged the chief justice to look into this matter.
