Bilawal terms Benazir murder case verdict 'disappointing, unacceptable'
PPP chairperson says party will explore all legal options against the decision
Pakistan People's Party (PPP) leaders rejected on Thursday an anti-terrorism court's verdict in Benazir Bhutto murder case, saying justice cannot be served until all abettors involved are punished.
Earlier in the day, ATC Rawalpindi sentenced two senior police officers to 17 years in prison as per Sections 119 and 201 of the Pakistan Penal Code but acquitted five others who were accused of assassinating the former prime minister.
Former president Gen (retd) Pervaiz Musharraf was declared a proclaimed offender as he failed to appear before the court.
Benazir murder case: Five accused acquitted, two police officers sentenced to 17 years in prison
"SMBB case decision is disappointing & unacceptable," chairman PPP Bilawal Bhutto Zardari tweeted minutes after the decision was announced in Adiyala Jail. "Release of terrorists not only unjust but also dangerous. PPP will explore legal options."
"10 years later and we still await justice," Benazir's daughter Aseefa Bhutto Zardari said. "Abettors punished but those truly guilty of my mothers murder roam free."
She went on to add that "there will be no justice till Pervez Musharraf answers for his crimes."
Similarly, Bakhtawar Bhutto Zardari called for the former military dictator's arrest. "Musharraf ordered crime scene washed & doors locked trapping SMBB vehicle inside."
Other PPP leaders also reacted on the court's decision:
Benazir was assassinated in a gun-and-bomb attack in Liaquat Bagh, Rawalpindi on December 27, 2007. At least 23 PPP workers had also died in the incident.
During the course of the proceedings, seven challans of the case were presented and eight judges and three courts were changed.
Earlier in the day, ATC Rawalpindi sentenced two senior police officers to 17 years in prison as per Sections 119 and 201 of the Pakistan Penal Code but acquitted five others who were accused of assassinating the former prime minister.
Former president Gen (retd) Pervaiz Musharraf was declared a proclaimed offender as he failed to appear before the court.
Benazir murder case: Five accused acquitted, two police officers sentenced to 17 years in prison
"SMBB case decision is disappointing & unacceptable," chairman PPP Bilawal Bhutto Zardari tweeted minutes after the decision was announced in Adiyala Jail. "Release of terrorists not only unjust but also dangerous. PPP will explore legal options."
"10 years later and we still await justice," Benazir's daughter Aseefa Bhutto Zardari said. "Abettors punished but those truly guilty of my mothers murder roam free."
She went on to add that "there will be no justice till Pervez Musharraf answers for his crimes."
Similarly, Bakhtawar Bhutto Zardari called for the former military dictator's arrest. "Musharraf ordered crime scene washed & doors locked trapping SMBB vehicle inside."
Other PPP leaders also reacted on the court's decision:
Benazir was assassinated in a gun-and-bomb attack in Liaquat Bagh, Rawalpindi on December 27, 2007. At least 23 PPP workers had also died in the incident.
During the course of the proceedings, seven challans of the case were presented and eight judges and three courts were changed.