Islamabad, Pakistan
Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf shut down several major TV stations this week because of news coverage critical of his government. Pro–democracy rallies have become common since March, when Musharraf suspended the country’s independent–minded chief justice. Last week, TV news showed thousands of protesters outside the Supreme Court, chanting “Musharraf is a dog!” and “The generals are traitors!” In response, Musharraf banned all public meetings in the capital. Television stations are now forbidden to cover political events live, and popular talk shows are being jammed. Pakistani journalists promptly protested. “We have won our freedom after a long struggle,” said Press Club official Aroosa Alam, “and nobody can take it back.”
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