Pakistani police said yesterday they had registered a case against about 200 journalists for defying a rally ban in the capital by protesting curbs on the media, the latest sign that the government has grown intolerant of coverage of a three-month-old political crisis.
Although no arrests were made immediately, the move came a day after hundreds of journalists, lawyers and opposition supporters rallied in Islamabad to protest the imposition of an emergency ordinance by President Pervez Musharraf that tightened the regulation of electronic media, including private television channels that he has accused of anti-government bias.
The ordinance authorizes the government to seal the premises of broadcasters or distributors breaking the law, and raises possible fines for violations from 1 million rupees (US$16,700) to 10 million rupees. An offender can also have its license suspended.
"This presidential decree is another brick in the wall of censorship that the government is building to shield itself at a time of political upheaval," said Joel Simon, executive director of the international media group Committee to Protect Journalists. "We call on the government to rescind the decree immediately."
Shamim-ur-Rehman, president of the Karachi Union of Journalists, called the ordinance an effort by the government to suppress their voices, but he said they would not let it happen.
Musharraf has touted the relaxation of media controls as a highlight of his eight years in office. But rallies over his March 9 suspension of Chief Justice Iftikhar Mohammed Chaudhry for alleged misconduct has shown that his tolerance has limits.
Last Friday, the capital imposed a two-month ban on gatherings of more than five people.
Two police officials, speaking on condition of anonymity because of they were not authorized to speak to the media, said yesterday they had registered a case against those who defied the ban, including about 200 journalists.
Talat Hussain, news director for one of the main independent news channels, said he was on the list of names on a First Information Report, which is written by police before any formal charges.
Chaudhry has challenged his suspension before the Supreme Court and has addressed large rallies. About 50,000 to 60,000 people turned out on Saturday in an opposition north of Islamabad.
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