Mistreatment of journalists by police: Chief justice orders judicial inquiry

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 4 May 2018

Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar has mandated a judicial inquiry into the police's handling of journalists on Press Freedom Day. During a peaceful march toward Parliament, the journalists were met with force, raising questions about the legality and ethics of the police actions.

Summary

ISLAMABAD – Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar has ordered a judicial inquiry into the incident of police manhandling and beating up journalists on Press Freedom Day (May 3).

A three-member bench heard the suo motu case on Friday.

Inspector General of Police, Sultan Azam Taimuri told the court that the journalists needed to have a NOC since Section 144 was imposed in the metropolis.

The journalists were marching towards the Parliament when the police blocked their way at D-Square.

Taimuri said that the marchers attempted to break the barriers when stopped from entering the Red Zone.

The Chief Justice asked under what law a protest is prohibited in Red Zone. He said the journalists were holding a peaceful march and assaulting them was not ethical.

Later, the chief justice directed Sessions Judge Sohail Nasir to complete the inquiry within 10 days and submit a report. He also sought an explanation from the Islamabad Deputy Commissioner about the imposition of Section 144.

Photo courtesy: thenews.com.pk