FIA seeks Musharraf's trial in absentia in BB murder case
06 June, 2012
RAWALPINDI: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) on Tuesday filed a petition with the Anti-Terrorist Court-I (ATC), seeking former president Gen (r) Pervez Musharraf's trial in absentia in the Benazir Bhutto murder case.
"Under the Clause 19 and sub-section 10 of the ATC, any accused can be sentenced five to 10 years rigorous imprisonment on completion of the trial in absentia," senior Public Prosecutor of the agency Chaudhry Zulfiqar told APP.
He said the ATC, in the light of the challan submitted by FIA, had declared Musharraf an absconder and ordered to freeze his assets. Around three weeks ago, the FIA had informed Interpol that the arrest warrant of the former president issued by the anti-terrorist court would remain valid until its compliance. "The Interpol through a letter had asked from FIA about the expiry date of the arrest warrant.
In response, we conveyed them that it will remain valid until the arrest of Musharraf," the public prosecutor said. The arrest warrant will remain effective until handing over of Pervez Musharraf to Pakistan or unless the trial court itself cancels it, he added.
He said the Interpol has also been informed that the arrest warrant was issued by the court in the light of FIA's challan in the case of the attack on Benazir Bhutto in Rawalpindi in 2007 and due to Pervez Musharraf's continued absence from attending court proceedings.
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