Pakistan's exiled MQM founder released on bail by London police
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 7 June 2014 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Pakistan's exiled MQM founder released on bail by London police, 7 June 2014, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/53b280c3e.html [accessed 21 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
June 07, 2014
Supporters of Pakistan's Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) party hold photographs of party leader Altaf Hussain as they stage a sit-in calling for his release in Karachi on June 3.
The exiled founder of Pakistan's Muttahida Qaumi Movement, the MQM party, has been released on bail after being detained by London police on suspicion of money laundering.
Altaf Hussain was arrested at his London home on June 3. He was questioned for seven hours on June 6 and is due to report to police again in July.
Pakistan's Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has expressed solidarity with Hussain and directed Pakistani authorities in London to provide him with legal services.
Hussain left Pakistan for Britain in 1992 after a military operation to end ethnic unrest in Karachi.
He gained British citizenship in 2002.
From his London home, Hussain remains highly influential in Karachi – where he is able to address his supporters using a loudspeaker linked to his telephone.
His arrest spawned violent protests in Karachi and news of his release prompted wild celebrations there.
Based on reporting by AFP and BBC
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
