US slams Pakistan as court overturns the death sentence of terrorist in Daniel Pearl’s murder

The US authorities criticised a Pakistani court for overturning the death sentence of British-born top al-Qaeda leader Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh, who was convicted in the abduction and murder of US journalist Daniel Pearl in Karachi in 2002 in the aftermath of the 9/11 terror attack, terming the verdict an “affront” to victims of terrorism everywhere.

The US’ response comes after the Sindh High Court on Thursday found the 46-year-old Sheikh guilty of the lesser charge of kidnapping and commuted his death sentence to seven years in prison. Sheikh has been in jail for the past 18 years. A two-judge bench headed by Justice Mohammad Karim Khan Agha also acquitted the three others – Fahad Naseem, Salman Saqib and Sheikh Adil- serving life sentences in the case.

“The overturning of the convictions for Daniel Pearl’s murder is an affront to victims of terrorism everywhere,” Alice Wells, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, said in a tweet.

But the US’ top diplomat for South Asia welcomed Pakistani prosecutors’ indications that they would appeal the decision. “We welcome Pakistan’s decision to appeal the verdict. Those responsible for Daniel’s heinous kidnapping and murder must face the full measure of justice,” Wells said.

Source: Republic World