ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Supreme Court has upheld acquittal and release of British-Pakistani, Ahmad Saeed Omar Sheikh, who was convicted for his involvement in the kidnapping and beheading of American journalist, Daniel Pearl.
Sheikh was the main suspect in Pearl’s kidnapping and murder.
The Sindh High Court (SHC) made some changes to Sheikh’s conviction in April last year. The SHC set aside Sheikh’s murder conviction, and said he’s only guilty of kidnapping Pearl. The SHC sentenced Sheikh to seven years in prison for kidnapping instead. However, since Sheikh was already in prison for 18 years with a death sentence, the SHC decided it’s time to let him go.
Pearl’s family and the Pakistani govt filed an appeal in Pakistan’s Supreme Court to challenge the SHC’s acquittal of
In a handwritten letter, Sheikh actually admitted his limited involvement in Pearl’s murder. He insisted that his “minor role” still doesn’t warrant a death sentence. Sheikh’s defense lawyers claimed he’s a “scapegoat” for the murder, and that he was sentenced on “insufficient evidence.” However, lawyers for Pearl’s family argued that Sheikh ordered Pearl’s captors to kill him.
Pearl was the South Asia Bureau Chief for The Wall Street Journal. He was doing research on Pakistani militants. In January 2002, Sheikh allegedly lured Pearl into a meeting, during which he was kidnapped.
Pearl’s family is in shock. The White House expressed its outrage over the Supreme Court’s verdict. White House spokesperson, Jen Psaki, called the decision “an affront to terror victims everywhere.” She said the US is “committed to securing justice for Pearl’s family.” Psaki called on Pakistan’s govt to review other legal options, such as letting the US prosecute Sheikh.
This case could become a challenge for Pakistan, especially if it wants to build a relationship with the new administration of US President, Joe Biden. Pakistan isn’t exactly making a good impression so far.
Danial Pearl case is a question mark on Pakistan’s judicial system and at the same time a challenge for Islamabad which is eargerly looking for some concessions from Jeo Biden administration in US.