A.M. Agenda 09.01.2017
Pakistan Court Acquits Taliban Of PM Bhutto Murder
In a landmark decision on Thursday, August 31, a judge on Pakistan’s Anti-Terrorist court ruled on the investigation into the murder of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto one decade ago. Concluding the ten-year probe, he acquitted five members of the Taliban who were accused of the assassination. He declared former President Parvez Musharraf, who resides in self-exile in various places abroad, a fugitive from justice and ordered his property seized. A court in 2013 found Musharraf guilty of facilitating and executing the late prime minister’s murder.
Expert Contacts:
Daud Khan, Editor of RFE/RL’s Radio Mashaal
khand@rferl.org -- Location: Prague Headquarters
Alamzeb Khan, Bureau chief of RFE/RL’s Radio Mashaal
khana@rferl.org -- Location: Islamabad, Pakistan
*****
After Four Years Of Drama, EU-Ukraine Accord Comes Into Force
The Association Agreement between Ukraine and the European Union entered into force on September 1, marking an upgrade in relations between Kyiv and Brussels in such areas as foreign policy, justice, education, science, and technology. It follows four years of political drama, including a no-vote by 61 percent of Dutch voters in a citizen-driven, non-binding referendum in April 2016.
Expert Contacts:
Rikard Jozwiak, RFE/RL Correspondent
jozwiakr-fl@rferl.org -- Location: Brussels
Natalia Churikova, Editor of RFE/RL’s Ukraine Service
churikovan@rferl.org -- Location: Prague Headquarters
*****
Estonia, Ukraine Ban Russian Journalists
Estonia has barred three Russian journalists from covering an EU meeting in Tallinn on September 7, only days after Ukraine expelled a reporter working with Russian state TV. Spokespersons for the two countries accused the journalists’ outlets of “subversive activities” and propaganda that threaten their national security. The OSCE’s Representative for Freedom of the Media has called on both countries to reverse their decisions.
Expert Contacts:
Maryana Drach, Director of RFE/RL’s Ukraine Service
drachm@rferl.org -- Location: Prague Headquarters
Mikhail Sokolov, Correspondent of RFE/RL’s Russian Service
sokolovm@rferl.org -- Location: Prague Headquarters