April 30, 2004His Excellency General Pervez Musharraf
Your Excellency: We are writing on behalf of the 2,700 members of PEN American Center to request your urgent intervention on behalf of journalist Sami Yousafzai and his driver Mohamed Salim, who disappeared into the custody of Pakistani security services on April 21, 2004. The two men were detained that day with American journalist Eliza Griswold at a military checkpoint in Bannu. All three were arrested. We understand that Ms. Griswold was questioned for several hours by security officers in Peshawar before she was released. Mr. Yousafzai and Mr. Salim were taken into custody separately and have not been heard from since. Although Pakistan Press International reported the arrests on April 22, the government of Pakistan has yet to explain why it is holding Yousafzai and Salim and no charges have been filed against either of the men. The men have not been appeared in any court, and they are being held in incommunicado detention without access to lawyers or family members in clear violation of international due process protections. We were deeply alarmed to learn of these arrests, and we have grave concerns for the welfare of Mr. Yousafzai and Mr. Salim in custody. We therefore entreat you to intervene personally and secure Mr. Yousafzai's and Mr. Salim's immediate release. Sincerely, Hannah Pakula