PAKISTAN: NAWAZ SHARIF HELD IN CUSTODY

Описание: (19 Nov 1999) Urdu/Nat
A court in Pakistan on Friday ordered deposed premier Nawaz Sharif to be held in custody while charges of kidnapping and hijacking against him are investigated.
A journalist was beaten by police and five protestors were arrested when clashes broke out between demonstrators and security forces near the court in Karachi.
Sharif and seven others are being prosecuted in connection with an incident in last month's coup when General Pervez Musharraf's plane was denied permission to land in Pakistan - even though it was running out of fuel.
Both the charges against Sharif carry life imprisonment or the death penalty.
The armoured personnel carrier carrying Nawaz Sharif drove up to the courthouse in Karachi on Friday morning.
The ousted premier was surrounded by armed security officers as he stepped out of the vehicle.
He looked tired as he entered the courthouse, and was reported to have complained of poor health.
The purpose of Sharif's first public appearance since he was ousted from power by General Pervez Musharraf was to hear kidnapping and hijacking charges against him.
Both of those charges carry a maximum punishment of the death penalty or life imprisonment.
A huge crowd had gathered near the court to protest at the court case and the military coup.
Scuffles broke out between the demonstrators and police, and a journalist was reported to have been injured after officers set upon him.
A total of five protestors were seen being arrested.
Shortly afterwards, Sharif stepped out of the court and was driven away.
During Friday's session, the court delayed officially charging Sharif, but ordered that he should be held in custody until November 26 when the charges will be filed.
No explanation was given for the delay.
Sharif's supporters who lined the streets on the way to the court were outraged by all that has happened since October's bloodless coup.
SOUNDBITE: (Urdu)
"We have come here for Sharif. We want his government to be reinstated. We voted for Nawaz Sharif, we did not vote for General Musharraf."
SUPER CAPTION: VOX POP, Sharif Supporter
Sharif's former advisor Ghaus Ali Shah is also due to be charged for the same alleged offences, but he said the case had been concocted.
Since being thrown out of power by the army more than a month ago, Sharif has been held at a secret location - believed to be Murree, a holiday resort area north of Islamabad.
His lawyer said on Friday that he had pleaded daily with his captors to tell him why he was being detained.
Sharif was only informed of the kidnapping and hijacking charges on Friday morning, just hours before he was taken to court.
The court has ruled that Sharif's wife and daughter should be allowed to visit him in custody.
It will be the first visit from his family since he was deposed.

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