UA-04-2001: Stop mass arrests and release political prisoners immediately
PAKISTAN – Denial of right to freedom of assembly, political arrests
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Over the last week, more than 2000 activists and politicians have been arrested by Pakistan’s military regime.
On March 23rd, Pakistan National day, the 16-party Alliance for the Restoration of Democracy (ARD) attempted to hold protest to call for an immediate end to military rule. As of result, a further 100 political leaders, including Javed Hashmi (a senior figure in the Pakistan Muslim League) were arrested by police.
According to our reliable source, 18 young political activists of the People’s Youth Organization were seriously injured by police and then arrested. More than 6,000 police were used to close all the routes and streets leading to Mochi Gate (venue of rally) and to arrest any political worker who tried to approach the headquarters of ARD or Mochi Gate.
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan said, \” the mass arrests suggest a determination on the part of the regime to hold back democracy and deter political parties from legitimate activities. \”
BACKGROUND
Military ruler, General Pervez Musharraf banned political rallies last year, ahead of a visit by US president, Bill Clinton, despite promise to return Pakistan to democratic rule, General Musharraf is holding local council elections in what he describes as the first step in the process, but he has not come out with a timetable to hold national elections.
The ARD, Pakistan’s main political alliance including the Pakistan Muslim League and the Pakistan People’s Party, wants General Musharraf to hold national elections immediately and leave local elections to a future civilian government.
The country’s Supreme Court has directed the government to hold elections by October, 2002.
Despite international pressure on the army to restore democracy earlier, political analysts say General Musharraf is preparing to make himself president as a first step to toward establishing a civilian government.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Please write a protest letter to the Chief Executive of Pakistan, General Pervez Musharraf, to call for an end to mass arrests, release of political prisoners and to guarantee the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association.
To support this case, please click here: SEND APPEAL LETTER
SAMPLE LETTER
Dear General Musharraf,
I was deeply concerned to hear that more than 2000 activists and politicians have been arrested by police since last week. This is a serious contradiction to your promise to establish a new Pakistan society and return Pakistan to democratic rule. Banning peaceful political activity in fact prevents progress towards democracy and human rights.
As stated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, everyone has the right to freedom of opinion, expression and peaceful assembly and association.
I strongly urge you to stop the mass arrests and release all political prisoners immediately and also to guarantee the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association. To continue such actions would serve to destroy any faith the international community may have in your promise to work towards the restoration of democracy, civil and political rights.
Yours sincerely
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SEND TO:
General Pervez Musharraf
Chief Executive of Pakistan
Islamic of Republic of Pakistan
Prime Minister House Islamabad,
Pakistan
FAX: +92 051 920-1893/1835 or 4632
Email: CE@pak.gov.pk
Salutation: Dear General Musharraf
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Asian Human Rights Commission
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