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Chaudhry warns against Musharraf

From Syed Mohsin Naqvi
CNN

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ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (CNN) -- Pakistan's suspended Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry warned against centralized power in a thinly disguised criticism of President Pervez Musharraf, without ever mentioning him by name.

In a nationally televised address at a judiciary seminar Saturday, Chaudhry told the thousands of lawyers gathered, along with several diplomats, "The determination of the people cannot be resisted for long."

"Centralization of power in one person or institution is dangerous," he added.

Thousands of supporters rallied with anti-Musharraf slogans outside the court where the seminar, entitled "Separation of Power and Independence of Judiciary," was held. A large television set up on the street televised Chaudhry's speech.

The speech came as Imran Khan, a popular opposition politician and key Chaudhry supporter, was banned by the Sindh province home ministry from entering Karachi, the province capital, a government official told CNN.

Musharraf removed Chaudhry from his post as Pakistan's top judge on March 9, accusing him of misusing his powers. The dismissal initially sparked widespread, largely peaceful demonstrations by the country's attorneys and those who believe Musharraf abused his authority.

However, nearly two weeks ago, clashes between government supporters and Chaudhry supporters killed 49 people in the southern port city of Karachi. (Full story)

The country's Supreme Court has yet to make a ruling on Chaudhry's dismissal and has put tight restrictions on Pakistan's media in their reporting about the case.

Musharraf has said that he will respect the court's decision.

Musharraf appointed Chaudhry to the court in 2005, but the judge fell from favor after exercising independence from the government in a number of cases involving the disappearance of terrorist suspects and human rights activists.

U.S. officials have not weighed in on the matter; Musharraf is a key U.S. ally in the war on terrorism.

Musharraf is a Pakistani army general who seized power and declared himself president in 1999 after former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif tried to dismiss him as head of armed forces.

Musharraf's critics accuse him of removing Chaudhry in an effort to intimidate the judiciary ahead of crucial elections and a vote in parliament to extend his rule later this year.

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