by Qaiser Felix

The ex premier has attempted to leave the house where she is being kept under guard to make her way to anti-government protests called for by the People’s Party. Speaking to the crowd from a megaphone the ex premier had warned police not to “try to stop her”. Clashes between police and supporters awaiting her.

Islamabad (AsiaNews) – Benazir Bhutto had left the house where she was being kept under guard by soldiers loyal to Musharraf to make her way to anti-government protests called for by the People’s Party. Speaking to the crowd from a megaphone the ex premier warned police not to “try to stop her” from making her way to Rawalpindi, where protesters await her. However moments later police agents forced her to return within the dwelling.

The decision to challenge the  “informal” house arrest had been announced by Bhutto during an interview with a private television station.  Speaking to journalists, the popular leader asked the government “why don’t you arrest the suicide bombers who are the reason behind my being confined”.

The situation is tense: police agents are clashing with supporters of the Peoples Party and an anonymous police agent has underlined “Bhutto will not be allowed to open that protest”.

 

• pakistan
• benazir
• bhutto
• democracy
• protest
• musharraf