A solidarity campaign had been organized following the arrest of
Farooq Tariq and hundreds of other in May-June this year. In a very
short time 451 signatures were collected. The campaign ended when all
the detainees were freed. But we knew that the situation in the
country remained very tenuous, even though the military regime had
been placed on the defensive on a number of occasions by the lawyers
movement and pro-democracy protests.

Our fears were well-founded. Farroq Tariq was re-arrested on 27
September following a demonstration called by, in particular, the
lawyers movement that has been organized against the presidential
elections being held by General Musharraf in highly undemocratic
conditions. Farooq had been in hiding for three days, since the police
had already tried to detain him at his home in Lahore; but he insisted
on being personally present at the demonstration.

A dozen members of the Labour Party of Pakistan (LPP) were also
arrested at the same time. Two days later, on 29 September, the it was
party president Nisar Shah’s turn to be arrested — also following an
anti-Musharraf protest.

The situation in Pakistan is currently very unstable. The repression
is spreading and the number of people detained has been growing.
Farooq Tariq and his comrades are being held under the Anti Terrorist
Act, which gives the authorities enormous latitude.

As a result, ESSF has relaunched the solidarity campaign that began in May.

To see the initial solidarity appeal and the list of signatories,
click on the following link:

For the immediate release of Farooq Tariq and the other prisoners detained after the wave of repression of the democratic movement in Pakistan

http://www.europe-solidaire.org/spip.php?article6363

Though the language of the appeal now has to be updated, it is
essentially the same campaign. The signatures collected in May and
June remain valid.

It is very important to make a strong show of international solidarity.

Against the repression of the democratic movement!

NEW SIGNATURES can be sent to us at the ESSF contact address (see the “Write Us” button on the left hand side of the screen)

HELP US spread the word about this solidarity campaign.

Pierre Rousset

Europe solidaire sans frontières (ESSF)

LAST MINUTE:

Faoor Tariq was released from jail today. BUT...

1. It is only on bail.

2. He was realsed on bail by a judge who himself had been victmised by Musharraf (while a anoter judge refused before to do so and sent him to detention). Thus, it is not a change in policy.

3. He is charge under the Anti-Terrorist Act, which is very grave.

4. New arrests occure, including of Nisar Shan, president of the LPP.

The case is not closed and the repression spreads.

We want to maintain the pressure untill all charges are droped and detainees freed.

See for info, the letter of Farooq Tariq on his arrest and his release on bail:

“Released but struggle continue”: Farooq Tariq released on bail — LPP chairperson Nisar Shah and Salahudin Gandapur advocate arrested

http://www.europe-solidaire.org/spip.php ?article7585