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Pakistan’s Pervez Musharraf in custody for two weeks

Supporters and opponents of Pervez Musharraf scuffled outside the court

Pakistan’s former leader Pervez Musharraf has been remanded in judicial custody for two weeks over claims he illegally detained judges in 2007.

Supporters and opponents of Pervez Musharraf scuffled outside the court

Mr Musharraf, who ruled Pakistan between 1999 and 2007, was arrested on Friday.

The High Court ruled that the allegations amounted to an act of terrorism and ordered him to appear at Islamabad’s anti-terror court.

Mr Musharraf has described the case against him as politically motivated.

Last month Mr Musharraf returned from years of self-imposed exile hoping to lead his All Pakistan Muslim League (APML) party into the general election next month.

However, he has so far failed in his bid to register as a candidate with election officials.

His lawyers said it was unclear whether he would be detained under house arrest, in policy custody, or in jail.

APML spokesman Muhammad Amjad said Mr Musharraf would fight the allegations in a higher court.

Judges are determined to prosecute Mr Musharraf over his decision to dismiss judges including Chief Justice Mohammad Iftikhar Chaudhry.

He is accused of keeping the judges under house arrest for about six months in 2007 after he imposed emergency rule.

Mr Musharraf was brought to the court under heavy security.

The BBC’s Shahzeb Jillani, outside the Islamabad court, says angry lawyers shouted slogans calling for Mr Musharraf to be tried for treason.

 

Read full article on BBC

 

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