Mianwali protests: HRCP concerned over journalists’ arrests

The commission issued a statement urging govt to release 4 journalists.

MIANWALI:

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has demanded that cases registered against four journalists in Mianwali under the Anti-Terrorism Act following protests against electricity load shedding in the district should be immediately withdrawn. The commission also asked that the government bar the police from harassing journalists while they are in police custody.

In a statement issued to the media on Wednesday, the HRCP expressed concern regarding the cases registered against four journalists under the Anti-Terrorism Act for exercising their right to peacefully protest in the streets.

The statement reads “One of the four journalists has been arrested and HRCP has serious concern regarding reports that he has been tortured and mistreated while in custody.

The commission calls upon the government to rein in the police and ensure that vengeful and strong-arm tactics are not used to punish those who participated in protests on July 4. The government would do well to address the concerns of the people rather than victimising those who have raised a voice against their suffering. The commission urges the government to release the detained journalist and withdraw cases against all the media persons immediately.”

Published in The Express Tribune, July 14^th, 2011.