Human rights defenders in Pakistan released

  • Published on 1 Dec 2007
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Asma Jehangir ©AP

Asma Jahangir, Chairperson of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, was released during the night of 16 November, after her detention order was lifted. She has been placed under house arrest following the state of emergency imposed on 3 November by General Musharraf. Ms Jahangir is a leading human rights activist and lawyer in Pakistan and the UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief.

Hina Jillani, United Nations Special Representative on Human Rights Defenders, has returned to Pakistan but the 90-day detention order issued while she was abroad has not been enforced. A 90-day detention order had been ssued against Hina Jilani, who had been living in London. Her house had been surrounded by police and there was grave concern that she would be detained on her planned return to Pakistan.

At least another 53 human rights activists were released on bail on 6 November.

Many thanks to all who sent letters. There is no further action to take at present.

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