Senator Russ Feingold Calls For Restoration Of Pakistani Judges

Call Comes During Four-Day Visit to Pakistan

May 27, 2008 -- Islamabad, Pakistan - Senator Russ Feingold (D-WI), during a four-day visit to Pakistan, called for the immediate and unconditional restoration of Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry and all other judges illegally removed by President Pervez Musharraf during last year's emergency rule.

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A colorful bus in Pakistan: Photo by Steve Evans (CC)

Senator Feingold also urged the Bush Administration to end its silence on the issue.

During his visit, Feingold met with Chaudhry, whom Musharraf placed under house arrest for five months, and raised the issue with parties to the new coalition government and with representatives of Pakistan’s civil society.

“This is a straightforward matter of the rule of law,” Feingold said. “The removal of the judges was an unconstitutional act and it is within the government’s power to reverse it. The reinstatement of the judges is an essential step in strengthening an independent judiciary and protecting fundamental freedoms in Pakistan. It will also help the country tackle other critical priorities, including counterterrorism. Indeed, part of any effective long-term strategy for fighting terrorism is the development of a stable democracy in which the people are guaranteed enforceable rights.”

Senator Feingold has urged the Bush Administration, which has remained silent on the removal of the judges, to speak out in favor of their restoration. Feingold pressed Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte on the issue at a hearing of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on March 5, 2008. Feingold is a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and Senate Intelligence Committee.

Source: Senator Russ Feingold