Kenyan Court Rules in Favor of Slain Pakistani Journalist’s Widow
In a significant development, the Kenyan High Court has ruled in favor of the late Pakistani journalist Arshad Sharif’s widow, Javeria Siddique, and two journalist groups in Kenya. Despite the challenges and the loss of her husband, Siddique’s unwavering determination has led to this ruling. The court found that Kenyan police had acted unlawfully in the killing of Arshad Sharif in 2022. Arshad Sharif, a vocal supporter of former premier Imran Khan, was fatally shot when Kenyan police opened fire on his car in October 2022. Sharif had left Pakistan due to various sedition cases against him and had sought refuge in different countries before ultimately being murdered in Kenya.
The High Court in Kajiado, south of Nairobi, firmly rejected the police’s claim that the killing was a case of mistaken identity and that they believed they were firing on a stolen vehicle involved in an abduction. The presiding judge, Stella Mutuku, ruled that Sharif’s murder was unconstitutional and that his rights to life and protection were violated. The court’s decision has been described as a “great precedent for police accountability” by Siddique’s lawyer, Ochiel Dudley.
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Furthermore, the court has ordered the government to compensate Siddique with 10 million Kenyan shillings, a significant step towards justice. The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and Independent Policing Oversight Authority have been demanded to prosecute the two officers involved in the killing. Despite the victory in Kenya, Siddique highlighted that justice is yet to be served in Pakistan. She expressed gratitude for the support received and emphasized the importance of setting an example that journalists cannot be wantonly killed or harassed. This ruling serves as a crucial step in holding authorities accountable for unlawful actions and ensuring justice for the victims and their families.
