(IFJ/IFEX) – The IFJ is very concerned about Najam Sethi, chief editor of the “Friday Times”. **Updates IFEX alerts of 10 May, 6 May, 5 May and 19 April 1999** According to the IFJ’s information, Sethi has been detained since 8 May 1999, after he was taken from his home by armed men, some of […]
(IFJ/IFEX) – The IFJ is very concerned about Najam Sethi, chief editor of
the “Friday Times”.
**Updates IFEX alerts of 10 May, 6 May, 5 May and 19 April 1999**
According to the IFJ’s information, Sethi has been detained since 8 May
1999, after he was taken from his home by armed men, some of whom were
wearing police uniforms.
Sethi is apparently being held in Islamabad for interrogation, although it
is unclear on what grounds he is being detained or by which state agency.
Following the recent series of attacks against journalists, including the
burning of Imtiaz Alam’s car, the warnings sent to Ejaz Haider, the
abduction of Hussain Haqqani and the harassment and detention of Mehmood
Ahmed Khan Lodhi, the IFJ is very concerned for Sethi.
Many of these journalists were involved with the BBC programme
“Correspondent”. The IFJ believes that Sethi is being detained because of
his involvement with the programme. His arrest and the other assaults
against journalists are attacks on freedom of expression in Pakistan. They
are particularly worrying as they suggest a concerted plan of attack against
the independent media on the part of the authorities.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to the prime minister:
accordance
with international standards on the interrogation and detention of
individuals
he is being held
Appeals To
Muhammed Nawaz Sharif
Prime Minister
Prime Minister’s Secretariat
Islamabad, Pakistan
Fax: +92 51 920 5532
E-mail: primeminister@pak.gov.pk
Please copy appeals to the source if possible.
