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In a landmark ruling, a Kenyan court Monday July 8, 2024 awarded 10 million Kenyan shillings (approximately $78,000 USD) to the widow of prominent Pakistani journalist Arshad Sharif. Sharif was shot dead by police at a roadblock in Kajiado County nearly two years ago.
Sharif, a highly respected TV anchor, was known for his fearless criticism of Pakistan’s powerful military and political corruption. Threats against his life prompted him to seek safety abroad, fleeing his home country just months before his death.
The killing sparked outrage internationally. The slow response by both Kenyan and Pakistani officials drew criticism from UN experts, who called for a thorough investigation.
Kenyan police initially claimed the shooting was a case of mistaken identity, alleging Sharif’s car resembled a reported stolen vehicle. However, Sharif’s widow, Javeria Siddique, vehemently denied this, insisting it was a targeted assassination orchestrated in Pakistan.
Justice Stella Mutuku, presiding over the Kajiado High Court, ruled on Monday that the Kenyan authorities had acted unlawfully. She condemned the violation of Sharif’s right to life and awarded Ms. Siddique compensation with accruing interest until paid in full.
“While monetary compensation can never fully replace a life lost, it serves as a form of redress for the violation of fundamental rights,” stated Justice Mutuku. The judge further criticized the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority for failing to hold the two involved police officers accountable. Both entities were ordered to complete their investigations and press charges against the officers.
Sharif’s lawyer, Ochiel Dudley, hailed the verdict as a victory for the family and a positive step towards police accountability in Kenya. Though Ms. Siddique expressed her gratitude to the Kenyan judiciary, she emphasized her pursuit of complete justice for her husband.
“This ruling offers some relief,” she stated, “but my fight for maximum justice continues.”
Ms. Siddique, a journalist herself like her late husband, filed the lawsuit alongside journalist associations in Kenya. They sought transparency, an apology, and accountability from Kenyan authorities for what they believe was Sharif’s deliberate killing.
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