In a groundbreaking decision, a Kenyan court declared the police’s killing of Pakistani journalist Arshad Sharif in 2022 as unlawful. Sharif, a vocal critic of Pakistan’s military and ruling elite, was shot in the head by Kenyan police two years ago. The ruling emphasized that the use of lethal force against Sharif violated his constitutional rights.
Sharif’s widow, Javeria Siddique, who filed the complaint, expressed relief at finally receiving “justice.” The court ordered the Kenyan government to pay $78,000 in compensation to the victim’s family. This ruling sets a precedent for police accountability, according to Siddique’s lawyer.
Following the verdict, a Kenyan security expert highlighted the unjustified police shooting, indicating a common issue of police brutality in Kenya. Meanwhile, press freedom in Pakistan remains a concern, with journalists facing censorship and intimidation.
Siddique, speaking from Pakistan, expressed doubt over receiving justice in her country but felt a sense of accomplishment in the Kenyan court’s decision. Despite the challenges faced in Pakistan, this ruling signifies a step towards justice for Sharif’s family.
Source: AP and AFP news agencies, Edited by: Wesley Dockery