Musharraf declared fugitive in Benazir Bhutto murder case

Benazir Bhutto in Karachi after her return to Pakistan in
October 2007

Pakistan’s former president, Pervez Musharraf, has been declared
a fugitive from justice and had his property confiscated after he
failed to appear in court over the assassination ten years ago of
Benazir Bhutto.

In what The Guardian describes as “one of the most
controversial trials in Pakistani history”, two high-ranking police
officials were sentenced to 17 years in prison yesterday for
negligence and mistreatment of evidence in connection to the death
of the former prime minister.

But in a move that surprised some observers, five suspected
Taliban members were acquitted of conspiracy to murder after judges
cited lack of evidence against them, “sparking anger from some
supporters of Bhutto”, says CNN.

SMBB case decision is disappointing &
unacceptable. Realse of terrorists not only unjust but also
dangerous. PPP will explore legal options.

— BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) August 31, 2017

The dominant figure in Pakistani politics, having twice served
as prime minister over two decades, Bhutto was killed in a gun and
bomb attack at an election rally in December 2007.

A 2010 UN report said her death could have been prevented by
Musharraf’s government, which failed to provide enough protection.
Bhutto’s Pakistan People’s Party has gone further, claiming
Musharraf himself was behind her murder. Before her death, Bhutto
said Musharraf should be blamed if anything were to happen to
her.