Pakistani law firms go on strike after murder of rights lawyer
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 9 May 2014 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Pakistani law firms go on strike after murder of rights lawyer, 9 May 2014, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/53a1389c7.html [accessed 4 June 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. |
May 09, 2014
Law firms across Pakistan have gone on strike to protest the killing of a human rights lawyer.
The lawyers boycotted courts on May 9 and also announced a three-day mourning period for Rashid Rehman.
They demanded that authorities bring his assailants to justice. No one has claimed responsibility.
The United States also urged Pakistan to thoroughly investigate the killing.
State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said Washington was "deeply saddened by the murder," of Rehman.
Rehman, a coordinator for the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, was repeatedly shot by two unknown attackers late on May 7 in his office in southern Punjab Province.
Rehman died on the way to hospital.
Two of his colleagues were also injured in the attack.
The senior lawyer had been representing a client accused of blasphemy. Rehman said he had been receiving death threats over the case.
Lawyers defending blasphemy cases in Pakistan often receive death threats from extremist elements.
Based on reporting by geo.tv, dawn.com, and RFE/RL's Radio Mashaal
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
