PAKISTAN: PFUJ assails arrest of journalists

Sindh journalists targeted by police for anti-terrorism and anti-riot acts deny involvement, say arrests and raids are meant to deter their reporting

Dawn
Thursday, January 3, 2008

Karachi --- The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has condemned arrest and registration of cases against journalists in Sindh, since the assassination of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto and demanded their immediate release and withdrawal of the cases.

The PFUJ said in a statement that in the interior of Sindh some journalists had been arrested under the anti-terrorism and anti-riot acts.

Police have also raided homes of journalists in different parts of the province.

Those arrested have denied their involvement and accused police of targeting them because of their reporting.

Out of the 34 cases registered against journalists, 19 belong to the Sindhi daily Kawish and its TV channel KTN.

Police also warned journalists of action if they did not stop reporting on the law and order situation.

"Targeting journalists for reporting is not acceptable," the PFUJ said.

Date Posted: 1/3/2008