KUJ demands withdrawal of cases against journalists
KARACHI, June 03, 2005: The Karachi Union of Journalists has demanded of the Sindh government to withdraw cases against two local newsmen forthwith. In a statement issued here on June 2, KUJ President Ayub Jan Sarhandi and General Secretary Nizam Siddiqi termed the registration of criminal cases against Asad Ibne Hassan of Daily News and Afzal Nadeem of Awam an attempt to harass the journalist
community and gag the press.
They said the initiation of cases against these journalists for alleged “anti-state activities” has violated the norms of the freedom of expression.
They said the only fault of these journalists was a minor mistake they made while reporting the exact timing of a police encounter with criminals. Although the newspapers concerned have published a clarification in this regard, the Sindh government has not withdrawn cases against the journalists, the KUJ office-bearers said.
They said earlier a case against Afzal Nadeem was registered under Official Secrets Act, but it has also not been withdrawn despite assurances by the Sindh government.
The KUJ president and the general secretary called upon the Sindh government to withdraw old and new cases against the two journalists.
Source: Business Recorder
Date:6/3/2005
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