Govt order of newsman’s arrest set aside | Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF)

Pakistan Press Foundation

Govt order of newsman’s arrest set aside

LAHORE – The orders of the Punjab government to detain Sarwar Mujahid, a journalist from Okara for three months, were reserved by Lahore High Court on September 22.

His brother Muhammad Anwar challenged the detention order through a writ petition saying that the journalist was detained for his correct and objective reporting on the incidents frequently taking place on the Okara Military Farms. He submitted that the charges in the detention order were incorrect.

The petition stated that the management of the military farms had developed enmity with the journalist, who was earlier charged with committing terrorist activities and an anti-terrorism court in Lahore ordered his release after acquitting him of the charges.

On September 9, Reporter Without Borders (RSF) called for the release of Sarwar Mujahid, by the authorities in Okara, held since July 31. Police who had no arrest warrant, arrested him at his home, in connection with the articles he wrote about a conflict between para-militaries and peasant farmers, who for years have been cultivating land belonging to army had and are refusing to leave their farms.

Mujahid was reportedly being held in Sahiwal province. His family was not allowed to visit him.

Mujahid was previously jailed for two months in 2003 for articles sympathetic to the peasant farmers. He was released on bail.

Source: PPF

Date:9/24/2004