1 April 2004

Alert

Journalist Khawar Mehdi Rizvi released on bail


Incident details

Khawar Mehdi Rizvi

journalist(s)

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(RSF/IFEX) - On 29 March 2004, journalist Khawar Mehdi Rizvi was released on bail from a Quetta prison by order of the local anti-terrorism court. He must still appear in court to face charges of "conspiracy" and "sedition".

Rizvi said he had not broken the law and had simply done his job as a journalist. He was greeted outside the prison by his brother, his lawyer and others journalists.

Speaking to RSF, Rizvi thanked everyone who had campaigned for his release, especially fellow journalists. He said he now "knows the true value of press freedom" and wants to continue his work as a journalist "with renewed vigour." He denied all of the charges against him, and reiterated that he had only wanted to tell the public the truth.

Rizvi was arrested in mid-December 2003 and accused of faking a report about armed Taliban activities along the border with Afghanistan.



Source:

Reporters Without Borders
47, rue Vivienne
75002 Paris
France
rsf (@) rsf.org
Phone: +33 1 44 83 84 84
Fax: +33 1 45 23 11 51
 

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More on this case

Pakistani journalist acquitted of treason charges 27 April 2005 Journalist Khawar Mehdi Rizvi goes on trial 9 June 2004 Journalist Khawar Mehdi Rizvi formally charged in Anti-Terrorist Court 17 February 2004 Journalist charged with sedition 27 January 2004 CPJ concerned about journalist's prolonged detention 21 January 2004 Authorities deny holding journalist Khawar Mehdi Rizvi despite statements by President Musharraf 13 January 2004 French journalists freed 12 January 2004 Authorities deny holding journalist Khawar Mehdi Rizvi 31 December 2003 French journalists released on bail, petition filed on behalf of Pakistani journalist 26 December 2003 Detained French journalists end hunger strike 23 December 2003 Detained French journalists announce hunger strike, Pakistani journalist's whereabouts remain unknown 22 December 2003 Journalist missing; RSF calls for release of two French journalists 17 December 2003 Two French journalists arrested in Karachi for violating immigration laws 17 December 2003

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