The IWA has been informed of the arrests of comrades William, Sindhu, Zahra, Nasri and Jami (along with her daughter) from Workers' Solidarity Federation in Pakistan. They were among the scores of protestors arrested during the police riot against a protest in Karachi on October 13. We are demanding their immediate release.

The demonstration was sparked by the murder of Dr Shahnawaz, who was accused of „blasphemy” because of his posts on social media. Shahnawaz was shot dead last month by police. Following an inquiry into the killing, the Sindh Home Minister announced that the police had “staged the encounter” which led to the shooting.

The government had attempted to ban yesterday's protest. The protest, which also was against religious extremism was attended by trade unions, human rights activists and feminists. Police attacked protestors outside the Karachi Press Club and at other locations.

The Karchi Press Club President Sarbazi claimed that the attempted protest ban did not apply to the KPC as it has been declared a “Hyde Park” venue, where there was no ban on protests. The Inspector of Police apparently has confirmed that there should be no ban on protests there.

In the meanwhile foreign delegations are in the capital for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit. The police riot may have been due to a desire to squash protests during the Summit.

The IWA condemns the actions of the government, police and religious extremists involved in the events. We demand the immediate release of the prisoners and an end to police repression and the violation of human rights!

IWA Secretariat