Kenya: Pakistani Journalist Javeria Siddique Files Lawsuit Against Kenyan Police Unit
Siddique seeks justice for the wrongful death of her late husband, journalist Arshad Sharif, killed In Kenya a year ago. No arrests have been made in connection with his murder.
Location: Kenya, Nairobi
Date: October 19, 2023
Photojournalist Javeria Siddique — the widow of prominent Pakistani journalist Arshad Sharif, who was tragically killed in Kenya a year ago — has filed a lawsuit against an elite Kenyan police unit. Siddique accuses the General Service Unit (GSU) of the wrongful death of her husband. Following her husband's death, Siddique has become a victim of online harassment and continuous surveillance, hindering her professional career as a journalist and impacting her personal life. The Coalition For Women In Journalism stands firmly united with Javeria Siddique, expressing our unwavering support. We strongly denounce the tragic murder of her husband and the ongoing harassment she endures. We call for transparency and fair treatment in her case, demanding justice be served.
"I am suing the GSU because they committed the crime openly, then admitted that it was a case of mistaken identity. But for me, it was a targeted assassination because he was living in hiding in Kenya after receiving threats in Pakistan." says photojournalist Javeria Siddique in an interview with CFWIJ on her recent legal action against the General Service Unit (GSU) regarding the tragic murder of her husband, Arshad Sharif.
Arshad Sharif, a renowned journalist from Pakistan, was residing in Kenya in exile when he was tragically shot and killed on October 23, 2022. The responsible officers from the GSU allegedly claimed that it was a case of mistaken identity.
Sharif — known for criticizing Pakistan's former army chief, Qamar Javed Bajwa — fled Pakistan in July 2022 to avoid arrest and sought refuge in Kenya with his wife.
A 592-page report by the Pakistani Intelligence Bureau (IB) and Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), released last year, found that the Kenyan police had provided inconsistent statements in the aftermath of Sharif's assassination.
Nairobi police claim that Sharif was shot and killed when he failed to stop at a roadblock on the capital's outskirts. However, the family, rights groups, and Pakistani investigators believe the killing was a premeditated assassination involving the Pakistani military.
Pakistan's military has firmly denied involvement in the journalist's death and expressed its full support for the ongoing investigation.
In Islamabad, the police have charged two Pakistani businessmen based in Kenya, who had previously hosted Sharif, with alleged involvement in his assassination.
Threats and Harassment
After the tragic death of her husband, Siddique became the target of a malicious online smear campaign. Siddique has faced severe and life-threatening accusations that have placed her in significant danger.
Despite currently working from home, she anticipates the inevitable challenges of encountering her abusers and pro-government supporters in the physical world, which further adds to the risks she faces. As Siddique seeks justice for her husband, her pursuit has made her a more significant threat to those in power, making her a prime target for threats on her life.
According to court documents obtained by CFWIJ, Siddique is actively pursuing justice for her late husband and is advocating for the punishment and prosecution of the police officers accountable for his untimely demise. The lawsuit additionally requests that Kenya's Attorney General, the National Police Service, and the Director of Public Prosecutions issue a public apology to the Sharif family within seven days of the court's ruling.
Siddique expressed her disappointment with the Kenyan government, stating that they never issued an apology or showed any kindness towards her family. She described their behavior as "cruel" and "insensitive."
Sharif's mother has appealed to the Supreme Court of Pakistan, urging them to ensure the interrogation of Bajwa and other former military officials. She accuses them of plotting to assassinate her son.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism firmly stands in solidarity with Javeria Siddique and unequivocally condemns the unjust and severe repercussions she is facing in the aftermath of her husband's murder. We urge the authorities to prioritize her safety and conduct a transparent and comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding her husband's death. Furthermore, we appeal to the International Criminal Court (ICC) to examine this matter closely.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.
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