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CPJ protests gag on Nawaz trial

KARACHI: The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), an international union of newsmen committed to safeguarding freedom of expression, has protested against a gag order served on deposed prime minister Nawaz Sharif.

Writing to Judge Rehmat Hussain Jafri, who heads an anti-terrorism court hearing the case against Sharif for attempted hijacking and murder, the CPJ protested against the 'gag order' served by him.

"We are dismayed by your decision to censor media coverage of the trial of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif," the letter addressed to Judge Rehmat Jafri, released here on Tuesday, said.

It said in an order delivered on February 25, in response to a petition filed by the prosecution, the Judge said 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 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 last week on the grounds that statements made by the defendants are "likely to tarnish and affect the security, integrity, and solidarity of Pakistan."

"This trial is being scrutinised 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," the CPJ said.

When, on January 26, Chief Executive Pervez Musharraf ordered high court justices to swear an oath never to challenge decisions made by his administration, the media expressed the fear that the press, which was "similarly promised freedom, could become the regime's next target."

"According to our sources, the military government has exerted tremendous pressure on the judiciary to rule against Sharif and his co-defendants," the CPJ claimed.

"CPJ fears that the court decision to hamstring press coverage of this internationally significant trial was made at the behest of the Musharraf administration," it charged.

"As a non-partisan organisation of journalists dedicated to the defense of press freedom around the world, CPJ urges you to lift all restrictions on coverage of the Sharif trial," the letter urged.

"We believe that journalists in Pakistan must be able to report the news freely, without censorship or the government interference," it said adding, "We thank you for your attention to this matter, and await your response."

The letter was signed by CPJ Executive Director Ann K Cooper.-Internews