Pakistan's Supreme Court convicts Gilani of contempt

Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani (C) waves upon his arrival at the Supreme Court in Islamabad on February 13, 2012.

Source: Press TV
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/238157.html

Pakistani Prime Minster Yousuf Raza Gilani has been convicted of contempt of court for refusing to reopen old corruption cases against President Asif Ali Zardari.

After a three-month trial, the country’s Supreme Court on Thursday found the premier guilty for failing to follow its order to write to the authorities in Switzerland and ask them to reopen graft cases against Zardari, AFP reported.

Gilani denies that he was in contempt for failing to reopen the cases due to the fact that Zardari, who also rejects the corruption charges, enjoys immunity as the country's president.

The Supreme Court, however, spared Gilani a prison term in a case that has sparked political tensions in the country.

His lawyer says the premier would appeal the verdict, which means a further delay for any action that could see Gilani lose his job.

The Pakistani prime minister arrived at the court in the capital, Islamabad, along with members of his cabinet earlier in the day.

The embattled premier left the court while smiling and waving to his supporters.

The government alleges that the judges are attempting to bring down the president and the prime minster.

Pakistani parliament backs PM Gilani

Pakistani officials and media members gather outside the Parliament House building during a joint session, Islamabad, Pakistan, January 13, 2012

Source: Press TV
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/221479.html

Pakistan's parliament has passed a resolution in support of the government shortly after the country's Supreme Court issued a contempt of court notice against the prime minister.

The Pakistani parliament on Monday night voted with majority for the resolution to endorse the government of Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani for its efforts to "strengthen democracy" amidst the country's worst legal and political crisis in over a decade.

Lawmakers of the main opposition party, the Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N), boycotted the proceedings.

"This House endorses and supports the efforts made by the political leadership for the strengthening democracy and reposes full confidence and trust in them," the resolution said.

The vote came after Pakistan's Supreme Court issued a contempt order against Gilani for not complying with orders related to the reopening of corruption cases.

Gilani was asked to appear in person at the court due to the government's refusal to reopen graft cases against top officials including President Asif Ali Zardari.

Gilani praised the lawmakers for passing the resolution and said that he would appear in the Supreme Court on January 19.

The Supreme Court has demanded that the government ask Swiss officials to reopen old corruption cases against the president.

The government and the ruling party, however, say Zardari has immunity from prosecution as long as he remains in office.

Zardari is also under pressure due to an investigation into who was behind efforts to ask for US help to avert an army coup in Pakistan, in May 2011.

The request for US help is said to have been made by former Pakistani Ambassador to the US Husain Haqqani, with support from Zardari. However, both Haqqani and Zardari have denied the accusations.

The government has been trying to avoid the escalating tensions with the military and the judiciary.

Pakistan court finds Gilani in contempt

Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani

Source: Press TV
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/221341.html

Pakistan's Supreme Court has issued a contempt order against the Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani for not complying with orders related to the re-opening of corruption cases.

"The Supreme Court has issued a contempt of court notice to the prime minister for not complying with its orders," Judge Nasir-ul-Mulk said on Monday.

He added that Gilani should appear in person at the court on January 19 due to his refusal to reopen corruption cases against the president and over eight-thousand other people.

The judge said the court met to debate how to proceed on graft charges against President Asif Ali Zardari.

"We are left with no option but to issue a show cause notice to the prime minister of Pakistan (for him to explain) as to why he shall not be proceeded against for contempt of this court," Attorney General Maulvi Anwarul Haq said.

The Supreme Court has demanded that the government ask Swiss officials to reopen old corruption cases against President Asif Ali Zardari.

This is while, the government and the ruling party say Zardari has immunity from prosecution as long as he remains in office.

Zardari is also under pressure due to an investigation into who was behind efforts to ask for US help to avert an army coup in Pakistan, in the wake of the killing of Osama Bin Laden in May 2011.

The request for US help is said to have been made by former Pakistani Ambassador to the US Husain Haqqani, with support from Zardari. However, both Haqqani and Zardari have denied the accusations.