Tuesday, July 28, 2015

Pakistan - ATC sentences Salman Taseer vigil attackers to five years







An anti-terrorism court (ATC) on Monday convicted five people for attacking a candlelight vigil organised to mark death anniversary of former Punjab governor Salman Taseer, reported by private TV channel.

During the hearing, ATC judge Haroon Latif awarded five-year prison terms to Adeel, Farhan and Kashif. Two other men – Iftikhar and Wazir Ali – have been sent to jail for three years. The court acquitted two suspects, Din Muhammad and Sajid, giving them the benefit of the doubt.

The defence counsel said that the accused were not involved in the attack. “They have been implicated in a false case,” he said.

– Vigil attack –

On January 4, 2015, several people had attacked participants of a candle light vigil organised to mark the death anniversary of former governor Salman Taseer. People had gathered at Liberty Chowk to mark the death anniversary of ex-governor of Punjab – Salman Taseer – who was shot and killed by his own guard – Mumtaz Qadri – in broad day light in December 2011 in Islamabad.

A group of four-five people showed up at the scene, snatched and tore up placards and photos of Salman Taseer before beating up the participants of the vigil.

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