The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), the global organisation of journalists representing over 500,000 journalists worldwide, expressed its outrage today over the murder of Sajid Tanoli, journalist with the Urdu language daily Shumaal, apparently by a local politician.
According to our information, On 29 January, Khalid Javed, lawyer and Mayor of Mansehra, shot Tanoli five times in broad daylight in the middle of the street after Tanoli named Javed in a report on illegal alcohol trafficking on 26 January.
“This is an outrageous and brazen act committed by a local government representative who must not be held above the law,” said Christopher Warren, President of the IFJ, said.
Javed fled the scene immediately after the shooting and continues to remain missing. Police have arrested Javed’s brother and son connecting them as accomplices to the murder.
On 26 January, Tanoli named Javed in an article alleging he ran liquor business, illegal in Pakistan under Islamic law. Javed immediately filed a libel suit against the Shumaal.
The IFJ is deeply concerned over the current climate of violence and intimidation against journalists in Pakistan, with the arrest, secret detention and spurious charges laid against freelance journalist, Khawer Mehdi Rizvi.
This is becoming a dangerous pattern of intimidation and violence against journalists in Pakistan. A free and open press is only possible if the Pakistan Government can work to ensure that journalists are able to work free from fear and threat of reprisal.
“It is imperative that the Government of Pakistan send a clear message that those who threaten or harm journalists, no matter if they are elites, politicians or rogue groups, that they will be brought to justice and are not immune from prosecution,” Warren said.
“Our colleagues must not be targeted for carrying out their professional duties. All journalists must be able to report in safe conditions and not fear reprisal,” said the IFJ.
For further information, please contact Christopher Warren on +61 411 757 668
The IFJ represents over 500,000 journalists in more than 100 countries
The IFJ has protested to the President of Pakistan, General Pervez Musharraf, in the following letter:
30 January 2004
General Pervez Musharraf
President and Chief Executive of Pakistan
Via Email: [email protected]
Dear General Musharraf,
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), the global organisation of journalists representing over 500,000 journalists worldwide, is outraged over murder of Sajid Tanoli, journalist with the Urdu language daily Shumaal, allegedly by the Mayor of Mansehra in northwestern Pakistan.
According to our information, on 29 January, Khalid Javed, lawyer and Mayor of Mansehra shot Tanoli five times in the middle of the street in daylight. Javed reportedly fled the scene immediately after the shooting.
Police have arrested Javed’s son and brother as suspected accomplices after a complaint filed by Tanoli’s brother.
Tanoli named Javed in a report on 26 January on alcohol trafficking, which is banned in Pakistan under Islamic law.
The IFJ calls upon the Government to launch a full investigation into the murder of Tanoli, and ensure that all those responsible are brought to justice.
The IFJ is deeply concerned over the current climate of violence and intimidation against journalists in Pakistan, with the arrest, secret detention and spurious charges against freelance journalist, Khawer Mehdi Rizvi on 24 January.
This is becoming a dangerous pattern of intimidation and violence against journalists in Pakistan. A free and open press is only possible if the Pakistan Government can work to ensure that journalists are able to work free from fear and threat of reprisal.
The IFJ reminds the Government of Pakistan of its responsibility to freedom of the press and asks that it ensure the safety of all journalists working in Pakistan.
Yours sincerely,
Christopher Warren
President, IFJ
cc Federal Minister Information and Broadcasting
Mr. Sheikh Rashid Ahmed
Via Email: [email protected]
Recommended action:
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Appeals:
General Pervez Musharraf
President and Chief Executive of Pakistan
Via Email: [email protected]
Federal Minister Information and Broadcasting
Sheikh Rashid Ahmed
Via Email: [email protected]
For more information please contact IFJ Asia at [email protected]
Please copy appeals to the IFJ Asia Office at [email protected]