Pakistani premier says Musharraf to face trial for treason
The Associated Press
Published Monday, June 24, 2013
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan -- Pakistan's prime minister said Monday that the government plans to put the military ruler who ousted him in a coup over a decade ago on trial for treason, setting up a possible clash with the country's powerful army. Sharif said the government agrees with the Supreme Court's decision that Musharraf committed treason under Article 6 of the constitution when he declared a state of emergency in 2007 and suspended the constitution. "The prime minister is under oath to protect, preserve and defend the constitution and it is implicit in his oath that his government ensures that persons guilty of acts under Article 6 are brought to justice," Sharif said in parliament. "Musharraf has to answer for all his deeds in court," Sharif said in a separate part of the speech.
Musharraf would be the first military ruler tried for treason in a country that has experienced three military coups in its nearly 66-year history. Musharraf, who is currently under house arrest in connection with a separate case, could face the death penalty or life in prison if he is convicted of treason. But some analysts doubt the army, which is considered the country's most powerful institution, would allow that to happen and could intervene to prevent it. Musharraf has maintained his innocence.
The Associated Press
Published Monday, June 24, 2013
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan -- Pakistan's prime minister said Monday that the government plans to put the military ruler who ousted him in a coup over a decade ago on trial for treason, setting up a possible clash with the country's powerful army. Sharif said the government agrees with the Supreme Court's decision that Musharraf committed treason under Article 6 of the constitution when he declared a state of emergency in 2007 and suspended the constitution. "The prime minister is under oath to protect, preserve and defend the constitution and it is implicit in his oath that his government ensures that persons guilty of acts under Article 6 are brought to justice," Sharif said in parliament. "Musharraf has to answer for all his deeds in court," Sharif said in a separate part of the speech.
Musharraf would be the first military ruler tried for treason in a country that has experienced three military coups in its nearly 66-year history. Musharraf, who is currently under house arrest in connection with a separate case, could face the death penalty or life in prison if he is convicted of treason. But some analysts doubt the army, which is considered the country's most powerful institution, would allow that to happen and could intervene to prevent it. Musharraf has maintained his innocence.
Pakistan continues to astonish me.
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