Lahore, July 13: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has demanded that cases registered against four journalists in Mianwali under anti-terrorism law following protests against electricity load shedding in the district should be immediately withdrawn. The Commission has also asked the government to bar the police from harassing the journalists.

In a statement issued to the media on Wednesday, HRCP expressed concern that cases had been registered against the four journalists under Anti-Terrorism Act for exercising their right to peaceful protest. It said: “One of the four journalists has been arrested and HRCP has serious concern over reports that he has been tortured and mistreated in custody. The Commission calls upon the government to rein in the police and ensure that vengeful and strong-arm tactics are not used to punish those who had participated in the protests on July 4 in a peaceful manner. The government would do well to address the concerns of the people rather than victimizing those who had raised a voice against people’s suffering. The Commission also urges the government to release the detained journalist and withdraw cases against all the media persons immediately.”

Zohra Yusuf

Chairperson