Press Statement on the arrest in Pakistan of Mr. Zulfikar Ali Bhutto
Item
Title
Press Statement on the arrest in Pakistan of Mr. Zulfikar Ali Bhutto
Contributor
Long, C.
Creator
Bertrand Russell
Date
Nov. 15, 1968
Format
jpg
Identifier
Bertrand Russell Archives, Box 9.50, Doc. 180573 (B&R C68.30).
Language
eng
Rights
McMaster University
Source
Bertrand Russell Archives
Type
Text
Text
PRESS STATEMENT
The arrest and imprisonment in Pakistan of the former Foreign Minister, Mr. Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, is outrageous and in every sense unjustifiable. There is no reason why he should not be instantly released.
It is impossible to explain this imprisonment with reference to any other fact than that he is the leader of a serious opposition to the Government of Pakistan, a Government which is prepared to use any means to prevent his electoral success. His arrest raises questions both of personal liberty and of overall political freedom in Pakistan. The allegation that he can be held in any way responsible for student unrest is without foundation, since it is manifestly obvious that the unrest flows from student reaction to the abuses of the Government, and is in no way consequent upon the actions of Mr. Bhutto.
I call upon all supporters of political liberty and visit rights to protest strongly to Pakistani High Commissions and Embassies throughout the world.
The arrest and imprisonment in Pakistan of the former Foreign Minister, Mr. Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, is outrageous and in every sense unjustifiable. There is no reason why he should not be instantly released.
It is impossible to explain this imprisonment with reference to any other fact than that he is the leader of a serious opposition to the Government of Pakistan, a Government which is prepared to use any means to prevent his electoral success. His arrest raises questions both of personal liberty and of overall political freedom in Pakistan. The allegation that he can be held in any way responsible for student unrest is without foundation, since it is manifestly obvious that the unrest flows from student reaction to the abuses of the Government, and is in no way consequent upon the actions of Mr. Bhutto.
I call upon all supporters of political liberty and visit rights to protest strongly to Pakistani High Commissions and Embassies throughout the world.
