A UN expert has urged Kenyan and Pakistani authorities to expedite the investigation into journalist Arshad Sharif’s killing, highlighting the need for accountability following a landmark ruling by a Kenyan court that deemed his death unlawful. Despite the ruling and compensation awarded to his family, no arrests or charges have yet been made against implicated officers.
On Wednesday, a United Nations expert expressed that the authorities in both Kenya and Pakistan must intensify their investigations into the killing of journalist Arshad Sharif, which occurred in Kenya. This call to action follows a significant ruling by a Kenyan court that deemed his death to be unlawful. Almost two years have passed since Mr. Sharif’s tragic demise, and it has been several months since the Kenyan High Court made a landmark judgment stating that the circumstances surrounding his death were “unlawful,” “arbitrary,” and “disproportionate.” Irene Khan, the Special Rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression, noted that there have been no arrests made concerning the police officers implicated in the shooting, nor have there been any charges filed by the Kenyan prosecutors. Despite the High Court’s decisive ruling, Ms. Khan expressed her grave concerns regarding the apparent inaction from both the Kenyan authorities and the Pakistani government. The ruling, delivered on July 8, followed a civil suit filed by Mr. Sharif’s family, which resulted in the Kenyan High Court mandating that the state compensate the journalist’s family with 10 million shillings. While the judgment marks a notable victory, Ms. Khan emphasized that its true significance would depend on the two governments ensuring that the parties responsible for Mr. Sharif’s death are held accountable. In October 2023, UN experts initiated correspondence directed towards both Kenyan and Pakistani officials, urging them to investigate not only Mr. Sharif’s killing but also the circumstances necessitating his exile. Ms. Khan further articulated that, “Justice for Mr. Sharif and his family will not be done until the circumstances behind this murder are fully clarified, including whether it was a transnational crime, and all responsible actors are identified, prosecuted and punished in Kenya and Pakistan.” She entreats both governments to demonstrate the political resolve necessary to ensure comprehensive accountability and justice in this case, suggesting that such actions could serve as a critical precedent in the ongoing struggle against impunity for the murder of journalists.
The case of Arshad Sharif, a renowned journalist, raises significant concerns regarding the treatment of media professionals and the protection of freedom of expression. Sharif’s killing in Kenya has prompted widespread condemnation and calls for justice, particularly given the ruling by a Kenyan court that signified a judicial acknowledgment of the unlawful nature of his death. This situation reflects broader issues of state accountability in Kenya and Pakistan, particularly regarding the safety and rights of journalists working in environments where they are frequently threatened. The ongoing investigation and pursuit of justice for Sharif have become emblematic of the fight against impunity for crimes committed against journalists globally.
In summary, the UN expert’s statements underscore the urgent need for both the Kenyan and Pakistani governments to act decisively in investigating the killing of journalist Arshad Sharif. The rulings by the Kenyan High Court represent a significant step toward accountability, yet real justice will only materialize through diligent prosecution of those responsible. This case serves as a critical opportunity for both nations to demonstrate their commitment to upholding human rights and protecting journalists from violence and impunity.
Original Source: www.dawn.com
