Pakistani court sacks Pearl killing case judge
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A court in Pakistan removed the judge yesterday who was to hear the case against the Islamic militant alleged to have planned the kidnap and murder of the American journalist Daniel Pearl.
Three days before opening statements were due to be heard, the lawyer for Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh requested the removal of Judge Arshad Noor Khan because the judge heard Mr Saeed admit his role in the crime at a court appearance on 14 February.
The comments were not made under oath and are considered inadmissible, but the lawyer asked the Sindh Province High Court to remove the judge because he could be called as a witness.
The prosecutor Raja Quereshi said he still expected a new judge to be appointed in time to hear opening statements and the entering of pleas on Monday morning. Mr Quereshi did not challenge the request, saying he wanted to allay the fears of the defence.
Pearl, The Wall Street Journal's South Asia correspondent, disappeared on 23 January. He was later shown being killed in an e-mailed picture.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments