DATE=12/8/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=PAKISTAN / SHARIF / L
NUMBER=2-256955
BYLINE=SCOTT ANGER
DATELINE=ISLAMABAD
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: A special court in Pakistan has delayed
formally charging ousted Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif
and several others. As V-O-A's Scott Anger reports,
Mr. Sharif has been accused of attempted murder,
kidnapping and hijacking -- events that led to the
military takeover of his government in October.
TEXT: Paramilitary police lined roads and watched
from rooftops, as Pakistan's former prime minister,
Nawaz Sharif, made his way to his fourth court
appearance to face criminal charges. Prosecution
lawyers in the case submitted a list of charges to the
Anti-Terrorism Court. However, Judge Shabir Ahmed
ruled the charges were incomplete. The judge has
directed the prosecution to supply copies and
transcripts of audio and videocassette tapes to
defense lawyers.
The government has taken its time in laying formal
charges against the ousted prime minister. Charges
had been delayed last week after the government
amended a law so only senior judges could preside over
the case. During another hearing, prosecutors had
asked for more time to prepare their case.
The charges against Mr. Sharif stem from allegations
by the military government that he tried to divert a
plane carrying Pakistan's army chief, General Pervez
Musharraf back to Karachi from Sri Lanka. The
military says the plane -- which had been forced to
circle Karachi's airport -- was low on fuel and could
have crashed, killing all on-board. The plane landed
safely after troops took control of the country and
toppled Mr. Sharif's government in a bloodless coup.
Statements of 53 witnesses have already been recorded
against Mr. Sharif and the other six accused -- which
include the former prime minister's younger brother,
Shabaz Sharif. The most serious charge Nawaz Sharif
faces is hijacking, which could carry the death
penalty if he is convicted.
The judge has set another hearing date for Monday,
when it is expected formal charges will be filed.
(Signed)
NEB/SA/WD
08-Dec-1999 05:37 AM EDT (08-Dec-1999 1037 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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