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Pakistani Judge Frees Political Prisoners

With Musharraf ruling imminent, government clamps down

By Jonas Oransky, Newser Staff

Posted Sep 27, 2007 2:19 PM CDT

(Newser) – The chief justice of Pakistan’s Supreme Court today told the government to release more than 100 opposition workers and politicians, the New York Times reports. The arrests were aimed to prevent protests as the court deliberates President Pervez Musharraf's right to run for re-election—a candidacy Musharraf made official by filing nomination papers for the Oct. 6 ballot.

Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry also ordered the government to end a blockade of the Supreme Court buildings that had kept lawyers and opposition figures away. “What is the problem that you are blocking all the roads? Elections are a matter of happiness, but here you have created panic," said Chaudry, whose court is expected to rule tomorrow on Musharraf's status.

In this picture released by Pakistan Press Information Department, Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, left, presents a copy of the three years performance report of his government to President Gen. Pervez Musharraf... (Associated Press)

Pakistans Chief Justice Iftikhar Mohammed Chaudhry, center, leaves for Supreme Court after his reinstatement, Monday, July 23, 2007 in Islamabad, Pakistan. Chaudhry resumed his official duties, days after... (Associated Press)

Pakistani citizens look a giant 224 feet (70 meter) x 356 feet (105 meter) national flag, prepared for the upcoming 60th Independence Day celebrations, Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2007 in Lahore, Pakistan. Pakistan... (Associated Press)

Pakistans Chief Justice Iftikhar Mohammed Chaudhry, center, is saluted by his protocol staff as he leave for Supreme Court after his reinstatement, Monday, July 23, 2007 in Islamabad, Pakistan. Chaudhry... (Associated Press)

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Pakistani Judge Frees Political Prisoners

With Musharraf ruling imminent, government clamps down

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With Musharraf ruling imminent, government clamps down

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Pakistan • Pervez Musharraf • Iftikhar Chaudhry • US Supreme Court • election

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Democracy to Avenge Bhutto's Death: Zardari

Prez nominee says no deal was cut with departing Musharraf

Musharraf Gone, but Pakistan's Woes Remain

Wrangling civilian rulers no match for militants, economy

Pakistan PM's First Move Flouts Musharraf

Gilani takes office, orders judges jailed by president freed

New Pakistan Leaders to Seek Talks With Militants

Election victors continue to work for coalition government

Musharraf Plans to Stay Prez Despite Loss

Hopes to forge alliance and aid 'in a positive way'

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Newser By Users

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