(CPJ/IFEX) – CPJ is dismayed by Justice Rehmat Hussain Jafri’s decision to censor media coverage of the trial of former Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif. In an order delivered on 25 February 2000 in response to a petition filed by the prosecution, the judge reportedly said that any statements made by the defendants must be […]
(CPJ/IFEX) – CPJ is dismayed by Justice Rehmat Hussain Jafri’s decision to censor media coverage of the trial of former Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif.
In an order delivered on 25 February 2000 in response to a petition filed by the prosecution, the judge reportedly said that any statements made by the defendants must be recorded by the court, which “will decide at the appropriate stage as to whether the same or part of it should not be released to the public or media.”
Journalists in Pakistan have complained that throughout the trial, military authorities have limited the press’s access to Sharif, who stands accused along with six others on charges including hijacking, attempted murder, and terrorism. The defendants could face the death penalty if found guilty.
The prosecution submitted its application to restrict media coverage of the trial on 23 February, on the grounds that statements made by the defendants are “likely to tarnish and affect the security, integrity, and solidarity of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.”
This trial is being scrutinized around the world for evidence of the military regime’s avowed commitment to upholding civil liberties, including independence of the judiciary and freedom of the press. When, on 26 January, Chief Executive Musharraf ordered high court justices to swear an oath never to challenge decisions made by his administration, Pakistan’s English-language daily “The Nation” expressed the fear that the press, which was “similarly promised freedom, could become the regime’s next target.”
According to CPJ’s sources, the military government has exerted tremendous pressure on the judiciary to rule against Sharif and his co-defendants. CPJ fears that the court’s decision to hamstring press coverage of this internationally significant trial was made at the behest of the Musharraf administration.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to Justice Rehmat Hussain Jafri:
– urging him to lift all restrictions on coverage of the Sharif trial
– expressing the belief that journalists in Pakistan must be able to report the news freely, without censorship or government interference
Appeals To
APPEALS TO:The Honorable Justice Rehmat Hussain Jafri
Anti-Terrorism Court No. 1
Municipal Training and Research Institute
Clifton, Karachi
PakistanPlease copy appeals to the source if possible.
