Jamaatud Dawa (JuD) chief Hafiz Muhammad Saeed. PHOTO: AFP
A Lahore High Court on Wednesday ordered Saeed’s release, who carries a $10 million US bounty, after government failed to back the charges of terrorism with evidence.
He was put under house arrest in January following increased US pressure to rein-in militant groups.
LHC orders release of JuD chief Hafiz Saeed
"India, as indeed the entire international community, is outraged that a self-confessed and a UN proscribed terrorist is allowed to walk free and continue with his evil agenda," Raveesh Kumar, India's foreign ministry spokesperson, told reporters at a weekly briefing in New Delhi.
"It also appears to be an attempt by the Pakistani system to mainstream proscribed terrorists," the spokesperson added.
Kumar said the radical leader's release shows that 'Pakistan continues with its policy to support and shield non-state actors who are involved in militant activities in the region'.
It is the third time that the cleric has been released by courts after authorities briefly detained him twice in the aftermath of the attacks in November 2008.
COMMENTS (1)
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ