PUBLIC AI Index: ASA 33/017/2008

10 June 2008

Further Information on UA 271/03 (ASA 33/012/2003, 19 September 2003) - Medical concern/unfair trial/possible prisoner of conscience

PAKISTAN Rehmat Shah Afridi (m), editor

Journalist Rehmat Shah Afridi was released on parole on 24 May. He had served nine years of a life sentence handed down in June 2004 by the Lahore High Court when it commuted his death sentence.

He had been sentenced to death in June 2001 for drug-smuggling. Amnesty International believes the charges against him were politically motivated: he was the editor of the Urdu-language newspaper Maidan, which had published reports of corrupt government ministers and alleged links between the Anti-Narcotics Force, military intelligence and drug smugglers.

While in prison he had apparently been denied access to proper medical treatment for a heart condition. He was told about his release order while being treated at the Service Hospital, where he had been admitted for treatment on 16 April.

Many thanks to all who sent appeals. No further action is requested from the UA Network.