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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