{"id":6528,"date":"2017-01-14T11:34:53","date_gmt":"2017-01-14T11:34:53","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/hrcp-web.org\/hrcpweb\/?p=6528"},"modified":"2021-12-15T11:35:54","modified_gmt":"2021-12-15T11:35:54","slug":"hrcp-demands-bloggers-recovery-end-to-climate-of-fear","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hrcp-web.org\/hrcpweb\/hrcp-demands-bloggers-recovery-end-to-climate-of-fear\/","title":{"rendered":"HRCP demands bloggers\u2019 recovery, end to climate of fear"},"content":{"rendered":"
Lahore, January 14:<\/b>\u00a0The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has expressed alarm over a growing sense of insecurity among civil society activists following disappearance of several bloggers over the last fortnight. It has called for their immediate recovery.<\/u><\/u><\/div>\n
In a statement issued\u00a0on Saturday<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>, the Commission stated: \u201cThe authorities are surely aware of a climate of increased insecurity and fear among bloggers and activists after at least four bloggers were picked up in the last few days.<\/u><\/u><\/div>\n
\u201cThe anxiety is fueled not only by the continued disappearance of the four men but also a vicious online smear campaign against them.<\/u><\/u><\/div>\n
\u201cWhoever has disappeared the four victims has done Pakistan a great disservice. Not only have their deeds done untold damage to Pakistan\u2019s reputation, but also led to us being firmly counted among nations where expression in the cyber space makes activists extremely vulnerable.<\/u><\/u><\/div>\n
\u201cIt is vital that all elements of the state, including the elected government and the security establishment, reflect on the reasons why fingers are being raised against state agencies for these disappearances. They must consider why families of the missing men or the civil society would suspect involvement of state agencies.<\/u><\/u><\/div>\n
\u201cEven if any of the missing bloggers are suspected of any wrongdoing, their apprehension in this manner cannot be justified. If such is indeed the case, law must be followed and courts should have a chance to examine the case against them.<\/u><\/u><\/div>\n
\u201cIt is in everyone\u2019s interest that the missing bloggers are recovered without delay. It must be understood that national interest is in following the rule of law and due process without any exception.<\/u><\/u><\/div>\n
\u201cHRCP also urges the competent people in the government to reassure the bloggers and activists that it retains the will and the ability to prevent violation of their rights and provide them a safe environment to air their views and engage in activism.\u201d<\/u><\/u><\/div>\n
<\/u>\u00a0<\/u><\/div>\n
Zohra Yusuf<\/u><\/u><\/b><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Chairperson<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>