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Pakistan prime minister denies contempt charge
November 17, 1997
Web posted at: 1:06 p.m. EST (1806 GMT)In this story:
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (CNN) -- Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Monday denied showing contempt for the judiciary, as he became the first serving Pakistani prime minister to appear on a contempt of court charge.
Thousands of Sharif supporters rallied outside the Supreme Court buildings in the capital city, some of them clashing with riot police.
Across the road supporters of rival Benazir Bhutto screamed "Sharif must go." Sharif defeated Bhutto in general elections in February.
Charge comes from criticism of chief justice
The contempt charge stems from a news conference several weeks ago where Sharif accused the chief justice of overstepping his authority and trying to undermine Parliament. In Pakistan it is a crime to publicly criticize the judiciary.
Sharif made the remarks after the Supreme Court ruled that one of his first pieces of legislation -- a constitutional amendment to ban legislators from changing political parties -- was unconstitutional.
Sharif supporters show their enthusiasm 1.1M/15 sec./240x180
593/15 sec./160x120
QuickTime movieUnder Pakistan's current political structure, Sharif says, members of Parliament are susceptible to bribes to switch allegiances, thus weakening the nation's political stability.
Apology
Sharif sat in a jammed courtroom Monday as his lawyer read his statement apologizing to the Supreme Court if he offended the judiciary, but saying it was his job as prime minister to keep the country informed "in the light of varying opinions."
"I have neither committed contempt of court, nor do I intend to do that," Sharif's statement said.
It wasn't clear whether his apology would satisfy the court. Chief Justice Sajjad Ali Shah adjourned the hearing until Tuesday, so he could review videotapes of the news conference.
The Pakistani prime minister has been at odds with the chief justice for months over a variety of issues.
Sharif reversed himself last month in a test of strength with Shah over which of them had the last word in the appointment of top judges.
After weeks of refusing to back down, Sharif told Parliament it was up to Shah and said he was making the decision in the interests of the nation and to prevent further confrontation.
If the court decides Sharif is guilty of contempt, he could face disqualification as prime minister and his government of nine months could fall.
Reuters contributed to this report.
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