HRCP flays revenge killings in Swat | Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF)

Pakistan Press Foundation

HRCP flays revenge killings in Swat

LAHORE: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) on Monday expressed concern over detention of family members of suspected militants and continuing reports of revenge killings in Swat in the Malakand division.

A statement issued by the commission said: “HRCP has noted with concern credible reports of a large number of people in custody of security forces in the Malakand division who have not been produced in court.

Many such detainees are relatives, including female family members, of suspected militants, who have apparently been taken into custody to press the militants to surrender. Of similar concern are continuing reports of revenge killings targeting individuals suspected to have sided with the Taliban.

The commission acknowledges that the government is dealing with a difficult situation in the fight against violent extremism in the region, but no circumstances authorise the state agencies to deal with the citizens in any manner they please. Nor does such situation deprive citizens of their basic rights, particularly their right to life and to due process of law.

The government must ensure that each one of such detainees is immediately produced in court or released and paid compensation for arbitrary detention. The HRCP also demands that the International Committee of the Red Cross is granted access to detainees.
Source: Dawn
Date:2/23/2010