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Musharraf Trial Postponed After Discovery of Unassembled Bomb Musharraf’s Treason Trial Is Postponed
(about 2 hours later)
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — The scheduled opening on Tuesday of treason proceedings against the former military ruler Pervez Musharraf was put off until the new year after bomb materials and handguns were found along his route to the trial, officials said.ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — The scheduled opening on Tuesday of treason proceedings against the former military ruler Pervez Musharraf was put off until the new year after bomb materials and handguns were found along his route to the trial, officials said.
A three-member special court, headed by Justice Faisal Arab, is trying Mr. Musharraf, 70, on charges that he subverted the Constitution in late 2007 when he imposed emergency rule and fired much of the judiciary.A three-member special court, headed by Justice Faisal Arab, is trying Mr. Musharraf, 70, on charges that he subverted the Constitution in late 2007 when he imposed emergency rule and fired much of the judiciary.
He is the first military ruler to face such serious charges in the country’s 66-year history. If he is found guilty, he could face the death penalty. Mr. Musharraf denies the charges and has called the case politically motivated and vindictive.He is the first military ruler to face such serious charges in the country’s 66-year history. If he is found guilty, he could face the death penalty. Mr. Musharraf denies the charges and has called the case politically motivated and vindictive.
Mr. Musharraf, who ruled the country from 1999 until he was resigned under pressure in 2008, has seen a sharp decline in his fortunes after he returned to Pakistan in March from self-imposed exile. After failing to revive his political career, he was hit by a barrage of court cases stemming from his time in power. He is now on bail, and has generally kept to his fortified farmhouse on the outskirts of Islamabad out of security concerns. Mr. Musharraf, who ruled the country from 1999 until he resigned under pressure in 2008, has seen a sharp decline in his fortunes after he returned to Pakistan in March from self-imposed exile. After failing to revive his political career, he was hit by a barrage of court cases stemming from his time in power. He is now free on bail, and has generally kept to his fortified farmhouse on the outskirts of Islamabad out of security concerns.
Those concerns were renewed on Tuesday morning. Just before Mr. Musharraf’s scheduled court appearance, police officials discovered an unassembled 11-pound bomb and two pistols on the route he was to take from his house to the National Library of Pakistan, where the special court has been set up. The library is just behind the prime minister’s secretariat and other important government buildings in the capital. Those concerns were renewed on Tuesday morning. Just before Mr. Musharraf’s scheduled court appearance, police officials discovered an unassembled 11-pound bomb and two pistols on the route he was to take from his house to the National Library of Pakistan, where the special court has been set up. The library is just behind the prime minister’s secretariat and other important government buildings here in the capital.
Anwar Mansoor Khan, a defense lawyer for Mr. Musharraf, told the court that the former army chief could not appear because of “serious security threats.” He requested that the court order the government to ensure Mr. Musharraf’s safety.Anwar Mansoor Khan, a defense lawyer for Mr. Musharraf, told the court that the former army chief could not appear because of “serious security threats.” He requested that the court order the government to ensure Mr. Musharraf’s safety.
Justice Arab accepted the defense motion and directed the Islamabad police to provide extra security for the former dictator during his next court appearance, on Jan. 1, when charges are to be read out against him. Justice Arab accepted the defense motion and directed the Islamabad police to provide extra security for the former dictator during his next court appearance, next Wednesday, when charges are to be read out against him.
Mr. Musharraf, who was once described as Washington’s most important ally in fighting terrorism, has a wide array of political and ideological enemies.Mr. Musharraf, who was once described as Washington’s most important ally in fighting terrorism, has a wide array of political and ideological enemies.
He has survived at least three assassination attempts that were claimed by Taliban and Al Qaeda. And he has also been harshly criticized by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who was overthrown by the military and replaced by General Musharraf in 1999. He has survived at least three assassination attempts that were claimed by the Taliban and Al Qaeda. And he has been harshly criticized by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who was overthrown by the military and replaced by General Musharraf in 1999.
Some officials worry that Mr. Sharif’s desire to see Mr. Musharraf convicted could open a new round of hostilities between the civilian government and the military, and even create a rift in the country’s judiciary.Some officials worry that Mr. Sharif’s desire to see Mr. Musharraf convicted could open a new round of hostilities between the civilian government and the military, and even create a rift in the country’s judiciary.