DATE=4/12/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=SHARIF APPEAL (L)
NUMBER=2-261210
BYLINE=SCOTT ANGER
DATELINE=SLAMABAD
INTERNET=YES
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: Lawyers representing Pakistan's ousted Prime
Minister Nawaz Sharif have filed an appeal seeking to
overturn his conviction and life sentence for
hijacking and terrorism. As Correspondent Scott Anger
reports, the appeal could be heard by the provincial
high court as early as next week.
TEXT: Supporters of Nawaz Sharif chanted slogans
outside the Sindh High-Court building in Karachi, as
his lawyers filed the appeal inside. The 12-page
document says the former prime minister should have
been acquitted because of contradictions in evidence
presented during the two-month trial.
Nawaz Sharif was convicted of hijacking and terrorism
after a commercial passenger plane carrying army chief
General Pervez Musharraf was briefly prevented from
landing last October in Karachi. Later the same day,
the military ousted the prime minister in a bloodless
coup.
Mr. Sharif was sentenced to life in prison - which in
Pakistan, means he could spend 25-years behind bars.
In addition, he has been fined the equivalent of 10-
thousand-dollars and ordered to pay restitution to the
civilian passengers aboard the plane. The lower court
ruling also orders the forfeiture of the ousted prime
minister's property.
Six other men involved in the case, including Nawaz
Sharif's younger brother Shahbaz, have been acquitted.
Prosecutors in the case say they have plans to appeal
the acquittal of the six other men, but say they have
not decided whether to seek to increase Nawaz Sharif's
sentence to death.
The two-member bench of the high court could hear the
case as soon as next Tuesday. If the appeal to the
Sindh High Court fails, former Prime Minsiter Sharif
can then appeal to Pakistan's Supreme Court.
(SIGNED)
NEB/SA/RAE
12-Apr-2000 07:44 AM EDT (12-Apr-2000 1144 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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