27 January 2004	Tuesday	04 Zilhaj 1424

LAHORE, Jan 26: Saying no citizen can be treated as over and above the law of land, or seen as being exempt from its provisions, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has reiterated its demand that the scientists currently being detained be treated in accordance with the law.

In a statement issued here on Monday, HRCP chairperson Tahir Mohammad Khan and secretary-general Hina Jilani said the rule of law must be followed in all matters during the ongoing process of questioning and investigation.

"The scientists, and indeed any other person kept in detention, must be allowed to meet their families and counsel and must be produced before courts. They must not be humiliated and must be treated with respect, like any honourable citizen of the country," the statement said.

It said: "In all matters such as the current investigation that is under way, it must be noted that transparency can help remove many doubts about the nature of the action taken. The right of the people to information about the findings must not be denied. This process can also remove lingering suspicions about innocence and guilt, and set a precedent for future investigation into national issues, ending the 'tendency to keep them overt and shrouded from the public eye."