DATE=5/12/2000 TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT TITLE=SHARIF TRIAL (L) NUMBER=2-262267 BYLINE=SCOTT ANGER DATELINE=ISLAMABAD CONTENT= VOICED AT: INTRO: The judge in the corruption trial of Pakistan's former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has ordered the ousted leader to remain in custody, until formal charges are announced in court May 27th. As correspondent Scott Anger reports, prosecutors allege Mr. Sharif failed to declare the purchase of a million dollar helicopter on his tax returns. TEXT: Prosecutors say Nawaz Sharif bought the Russian-made helicopter and used it in his election campaign in 1997, but failed to declare it as an asset. Standing before the judge inside a 16th-century military fort, Pakistan's ousted prime minister complained bitterly about his living conditions. He says the food is bad and his tiny cell is dimly lit - conditions which he says are like solitary confinement. The government says Attock Fort is being used for the high-profile trial because of security concerns. During Nawaz Sharif's earlier trial, which took place in Karachi, a member of his defense team was shot and killed inside his office. It is not known whether the murder was connected to the trial. Last month, Mr. Sharif was convicted of hijacking and terrorism for his role in the diversion of a civilian passenger plane carrying army chief General Pervez Musharraf last October. He has been sentenced to two concurrent life sentences, which are now on appeal. Nawaz Sharif's civilian government was overthrown in a bloodless military coup October 12th. General Musharraf, who ousted Mr. Sharif, has vowed to clean up corruption and punish those responsible for defrauding banks and failing to pay taxes. Journalists and foreign diplomats attended the brief hearing Friday. Pakistan's military government has stressed the trial will be conducted in an open and transparent manner. As a result of the military government's ongoing investigations, Mr. Sharif is expected to face several other charges of corruption and abuse of his authority. (SIGNED) NEB/SA/PLM 12-May-2000 06:22 AM EDT (12-May-2000 1022 UTC) NNNN Source: Voice of America .
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