Arshad Sharif's widow thanks Kenya judiciary amid justice struggles in Pakistan

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published last year |  JP Staff Reporter

ISLAMABAD—Late journalist Arshad Sharif's wife, Javeria Siddique, says that the decision of the Kenyan court regarding Sharif's killing was a source of relief as well as a surprise for her, as she had not received justice in Pakistan.

In an interview to BBC, she said that she was not able to get justice for her husband in her own country. "My husband received threats in Pakistan. There were fake cases of treason against him because he was a fearless journalist and exposed the corruption of the elite."

She mentioned that Arshad Sharif took temporary refuge in Kenya to save his life, adding that he was unable to obtain visas for many countries, so he received a visa on arrival in Kenya and was living in hiding. "It pained me that Kenya failed to protect him and that he was killed by the Kenyan police," Javeria said. "I think they (the police) were hired by people from Pakistan for this murder."

She expressed her gratitude to the Kenyan judiciary for listening to her. On the announcement of compensation by the court, she stated she did not claim any compensation for herself or her family. "What is important to me is that all the policemen involved are punished and that the case is properly investigated."

Javeria said that she would contact all international forums, including the United Nations, to seek justice.

Photo credit: Javeria Siddique