News
Friday, April 09, 2010
American mother fears for son’s trial in Pakistan
LAHORE: The mother of a US student on trial in Pakistan on terrorism charges said he is unwell, demanding that the authorities treat him better and honour his rights.
In a recent interview during her visit to Pakistan, Amal Khalifa said her son was innocent and demanded that he receive an open trial.
Rami is one of the five Americans – arrested by police four months ago.
Held in jail in Sargodha, the men were indicted on March 17, on charges of funnelling money to outlaws and plotting a terror attack.
Pakistani officials said the men planned to cross the border into Afghanistan and join the Taliban.
“He has also been tortured by Pakistani police,” she said.
Pakistani officials have denied claims that the Americans were abused and defence lawyer Hassan Katchela said there had been no complaints in the past two months that his clients had been subject to abuse.
An anti-terrorism court last week put the five Americans on trial at the district jail in Sargodha.
Katchela, voicing concerns over the existing circumstances, said that defence lawyers had not been able to meet the suspects in private.
“Since the judge has called all witnesses for cross-examination on April 17, we want jail authorities to let us see the boys at least once in a week for three hours to discuss the case and prepare the defence,” he said. afp
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk