European journalists, rights body demand immediate release of Mir Shakeel-ur-Rahman

BRUSSELS: Journalists and rights organisations across Europe have reacted furiously to the illegal arrest of Jang-Geo Editor-in-Chief Mir Shakeel-ur-Rahman in Pakistan. After the official position of the European Union in this regard was made clear Tuesday, pressure is mounting on authorities in Pakistan to release the veteran journalist.

In Paris, at the headquarters of Reporter Without Borders, the Asia Pacific Director of RSF, Danial Bastard, has released a video statement on the arrest of MSR.  "It is six weeks now since Mir Shakeel-ur-Rahman was arrested on totally absurd and spurious grounds. Let’s not be fooled. His arrest and detention have absolutely no legal basis," he said.

"It’s clearly an act of harassment trying to bring the Jang-Geo Media Group into line. Here at RSF, we have just released our World Press Freedom Index for 2020. Pakistan has dropped another 3 places compared to last year. With detention of MSR, it’s highly possible that Pakistan’s score will deteriorate. This is why we call for his immediate release and for the charges to be dropped at once," he stated.

Also read: Imran Khan’s teacher says MSR’s arrest wrong and unjustifiable

Journalists in Netherlands express solidarity

In Amsterdam, the Editor of Dutch magazine Dekanttekenig, Ewout Klei, also released a video message to Prime Minster Imran Khan demanding the release of MSR. In the message, Keli said that journalists in the Netherlands wanted to express their utmost solidarity with MSR.

"I want his release and I request that PM of Pakistan, Mr Khan, respects the freedom of the press in this beautiful country, Pakistan. Best wishes from Netherlands," he said in his message.

Also read: Accountability court extends remand of MSR until April 18

'NAB being used against journalism'

The Editor-in-Chief of the monthly Urdu publication Mustaqbal, Rao Mustajab Ahmed Khan, also released a statement on the arrest of MSR. 

"I, as a human rights activist, condemn the arrest of Jang-Geo Group Editor. I believe the present situation in Pakistan for journalism is terrible. NAB is being used against the institution of journalism ruthlessly to suppress the independent journalism. I demand unconditional release of MSR," he said.

A correspondent for German broadcaster DW, Shiraz Raj, based in Brussels, said the act of arrest of MSR was illegal and unethical. "I condemn, in strongest terms, the arrest of MSR. These are the tactics to suppress independent journalism. I demand immediate and unconditional release of MSR," he said.