Press Leaders Urge Extradition for Daniel Pearl's Kidnappers

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Jan 28, 2021, 13:47 ET

WASHINGTON, Jan. 28, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- National Press Club leaders expressed concern about the Pakistan Supreme Court's exoneration on Thursday of four men accused of luring Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl to his beheading in 2002.

Pearl's murder, which was videotaped, shocked the world and was soon followed by Islamic State terrorists filming the gruesome killing of several captives. The National Press Club honored Pearl posthumously with its John Aubuchon Press Freedom Award in 2002.

Press Leaders Urge Extradition for Daniel Pearl’s Kidnappers

The four men were convicted in 2002 of kidnapping and murder. One of the men--British national Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh--was sentenced to death.

Last April a court overturned three of the four convictions and reduced Sheikh's sentence, and the Pearl family's attorneys then appealed to Pakistan's highest court.

Acting U.S. Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen said in December that the United States stands ready to try Sheikh if he is extradited to America.

"Daniel Pearl's killing was an abomination, and anyone who played a role in it should be held accountable," said National Press Club President Lisa Matthews. "Pakistan's government should extradite Pearl's alleged kidnappers to the United States for trial."

"Setting free these alleged participants in Pearl's abduction and murder would send a chilling message of impunity around the world," said Angela Greiling Keane, president of the National Press Club Journalism Institute, the Club's nonprofit affiliate. "At a time when journalists everywhere are under siege, anyone who harms them must be held accountable every time."

The National Press Club, founded in 1908, is The World's Leading Professional Organization for Journalists™ with nearly 3,000 members worldwide. The Club is a strong voice for press freedom abroad and at home.

The National Press Club Journalism Institute promotes an engaged global citizenry through an independent and free press and equips journalists with skills and standards to inform the public in ways that inspire civic engagement.

CONTACTS:
John M. Donnelly, NPC Press Freedom Team Leader: [email protected]; 202 650 6738
Lindsay Underwood for the National Press Club: [email protected]; (202) 662-7561

SOURCE National Press Club