Statement from Freedom of the Press Caucus Co-Chairs Schiff and Chabot on Commutation of Sentences for Those Convicted of Murdering Daniel Pearl
Washington, DC – Today, Reps. Adam Schiff (D-CA) and Steve Chabot (R-OH), the co-chairs of the Congressional Freedom of the Press Caucus, released the following statement on the decision by a Pakistani appeals court’s commutation of sentences of four men for convicted of murdering journalist Daniel Pearl:
“It is deeply disturbing that a Pakistani appeals court recently commuted the sentences of four men convicted of brutally murdering Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl in 2002, a decision that would drastically reduce their sentences. We welcome the announcement that this decision will be further appealed and urge the Pakistani Supreme Court in the strongest terms to ensure this miscarriage of justice does not stand.
“This is also cause to remember and honor the tremendous personal risks that journalists like Daniel Pearl take all around the world to tell stories that must be told. It is our responsibility to stand with them. In 2010, Congress passed the Daniel Pearl Freedom of the Press Act to hold those who persecute reporters accountable. With journalists increasingly under threat around the world, it’s time to strengthen the penalties on those who attack journalists, not commute the sentences of cold blooded murderers.”
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