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“All Citizens are Equal before Law and are Entitled to Equal Protection of Law”-Article 27 of the Constitution of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh



Issue No: 190
May 20, 2005

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Asma Jahangir beaten as police foil marathon bid

The police severely beat up and arrested scores of rights activists, including women, who tried to hold a mini-marathon. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) and the Joint Action Committee for People's Rights (JACPR) had announced to organise the marathon from the Qadhafi Stadium to the Kalima Chowk to highlight violence against women, and for promoting 'enlightened moderation' in society.

As the HRCP chairperson Asma Jahangir and members of other rights organisations converged outside the AGHS Legal Aid Cell on the Main Boulevard in Gulberg to head for the Qadhafi Stadium, the police barred them from proceeding and, on resistance, resorted to baton charge. Women participants, along with their male companions, were manhandled, beaten up, dragged and bundled into police trucks to be driven to the Model Town investigation centre.

Around 40 people were taken into custody, including Asma Jahangir, Iqbal Haider, former minister and the HRCP secretary-general, Hina Jilanni, Farooq Tariq, Muhammad Tehseen, Joseph Francis, and Azra Shad. The arrested people were set free hours after they were taken into custody. However, they staged a sit-in outside the Race Course Police Station for the release of two other arrested activists - Jan Nisar Baloch and Shazia - who were not released by the police. Those assembled at the stadium to take part in the marathon were scared away by the police, who threatened the intending participants with arrest if they did not disperse and continued to violate Section 144 enforced in the city.

The HRCP has sharply reacted to the police action, saying that by using brute force to prevent a peaceful attempt to draw attention to violence against women, authorities have demonstrated their anti-women bias and contempt for basic liberties.

"The brutality of the police in preventing what was intended to be a peaceful event has unmasked the true face of the state. Sadly, such thuggish behaviour has increasingly become the norm in the city, as a means to prevent basic rights, including those of assembly," said a news release issued later.

Source: Dawn, Pakistan.

 
 
 


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