Date:10/11/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/11/10/stories/2007111055851600.htm

International

Appeal to bar associations around globe

Asma Jehangir, U.N. Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief, has issued a statement appealing for support to lawyers and judges in Pakistan. The statement has been forwarded and circulated by the office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, Geneva.

This is the text:

I am fortunate to be under house arrest while my colleagues are suffering.

The Musharaf government has declared martial law to settle scores with lawyers and judges. While the terrorists remain on the loose and continue to occupy more space in Pakistan, senior lawyers are being tortured. The civil society of Pakistan urges bar associations all over the world to mobilise public opinion in favour of the judges and lawyers in Pakistan. A large number of judges of superior courts are under arrest. Thousands of lawyers are imprisoned, beaten and tortured.

In particular, the cases of Muneer A. Malik, Aitzaz Ahsan, Tariq Mahmood and Ali Ahmed Kurd are serious. Muneer A Malik, the former president of the Supreme Court Bar Association and leader of the lawyers’ movement, has been shifted to the notorious Attack Fort. He is being tortured and is under the custody of the military intelligence. Tariq Mahmood, former president of the Supreme Court Bar Association, was imprisoned in Adiala jail. No one was allowed to see him and it is reported that he has been shifted to an unknown place. Mr. Ali Ahmed Kurd, former vice-chair of the Pakistan Bar Council is in the custody of military intelligence and being kept at an undisclosed place.

Mr. Aitzaz Ahsan, president of the Supreme Court Bar, is being kept in Adiayala jail in solitary confinement.

Representatives of bar associations should approach their governments to pressure the government of Pakistan to release all lawyers and judges and immediately provide access to Muneer A. Malik, Tariq Mahmood, Ali Ahmed Kurd and Aitzaz Ahsan. The bars are also urged to hold press conferences in their country and express their solidarity with the lawyers of Pakistan who are struggling to establish the rule of law.

Asma Jahangir, advocate, Supreme Court of Pakistan, Chairperson of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan.