Justice was delayed 18 years, but today it has come:
A British man on Pakistan’s death row for 18 years was freed Friday and flew out of the country following an act of clemency by President Gen. Pervez Musharraf that was hailed by human rights groups.
Mirza Tahir Hussain "is on his way back home," British High Commission spokesman Aidan Liddle told The Associated Press without providing further details.
Hussain has maintained his innocence for killing taxi driver Jamshed Khan in 1988.
On Wednesday, Musharraf ordered Hussain’s death sentence commuted to life behind bars, which under Pakistan’s sentencing rules equates to 14 years, meaning that he has served his time, the president’s office said.
Thanks to everyone who petitioned for his release. There are many others suffering like Tahir Hussain suffered for crimes they did not commit. Our focus should continue to be on the millions around the world who are unjustly denied a chance at life. That is the real freedom agenda – it doesn’t mean bombing people to free them of their bodies. It means freedom from poverty, freedom from desease, freedom from humiliation, freedom from persecution, freedom from fear, freedom to exist.
Today I am happy for Mirza Tahir Hussain and his family. He has 18 years of living to get back. Godspeed.
[Thanks to Tess for bringing this to my attention.]
Good for him and BRAVO to thoes of us who helped bring this injustice front and center.
I’m back now….(grin)….had to take a break for a few days, but I’m posting away again.
Have a great weekend Mash.
Yes! \:d/
That IS great news! I remember when you first posted about him. Poor guy, 18yrs of his life down the drain and I’m sure he’ll have some emotional if not physical scars from that ordeal. I wish him all the best because he deserves it!
Ingrid
Well done to you and everyone else that campaigned for his release. I only heard about it very recently and it’s obviously brilliant news that he’s been released.