Manchester, N.H. (11/8/07) - Today, the New Hampshire Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NHACDL) issued a statement condemning the actions of General Pervez Musharraf in suspending the Constitution of Pakistan, dismantling the Pakistan judiciary and detaining judges, lawyers and human rights activists. NHACDL resolved to support Pakistan’s legal community in their efforts to restore the rule of law:

"The New Hampshire Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers joins the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the American Bar Association in calling on President Pervez Musharraf to restore the rule of law in Pakistan. The unnecessary imposition of marshal law, disbandment of the Pakistan Supreme Court and the arrests and beatings of lawyers and other human rights activists has destroyed democratic rule, destabilized Pakistan and increased the risk of terrorism throughout the world."

"In a democracy, an independent judiciary is necessary to maintain the rule of law. Judges and lawyers form the heart of a judicial system ensuring that no single man or institution can thwart the constitutional limits placed on the government or restrict the rights granted to the people. NHACDL applauds the efforts of our Pakistani sisters and brothers who seek to re-establish Pakistan’s judiciary and legal system. In their struggle they seek nothing more than the return of a constitutional rule of law. The people of Pakistan deserve no less."

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