HRCP condemns delay in arresting 'tortured' Pak journalist's abductors

Southeast Asia News.Net
Tuesday 7th September, 2010

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has condemned the abduction and torture of Pakistani journalist Umar Cheema and the delay in identifying and arresting his abductors.

"The HRCP condemns the abduction and torture of Umar Cheema, a well-known reporter associated with one of the largest media groups of the country. The case is particularly disturbing since it reveals a pattern of torture and intimidation no society can condone," the Daily Times quoted the HRCP, in a statement, as saying.

According to the statement, the attackers had "neither been fully identified nor apprehended despite the lapse of several days".

The HRCP said that the government should fulfil its obligation towards ensuring a safe environment for all citizens, and it hoped that this incident of brutally manhandling the journalist would draw attention to the sufferings of ordinary people of the country, whose cases might even go unnoticed.

"It has become fashionable to put a price on information leading to the perpetrators, when it is one of the primary responsibilities of the administration to track down criminals." The HRCP statement added. (ANI)

Have your say on this story