ATC summons Mark Siegel, four others in BB murder case

RAWALPINDI: An anti-terrorism court (ATC) on Monday continued hearing of the murder case of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.

During proceedings the ATC decided to summon US journalist Mark Siegel and four other witnesses in the case. Siegel’s summons will be delivered to him via email and the FIA prosecutor has informed the court of his details.

The hearing of the case will resume on April 22.

Mark Siegel has refused to come to Pakistan and record his statement in the Benazir Bhutto’s murder case.

Siegel has citied security concerns as the reason for his not travelling to Pakistan to record his statement.

The murder case of the former prime minister is being heard by an anti-terrorism court at Adiala jail on a daily basis. The prosecution team was informed by Siegel of his security concerns; however, the US journalist is willing to record his statement via video link.

Siegel had been summoned to record his statement in the murder case. Till date 49 witnesses have recorded their statements.

Mark Siegel has claimed that Benazir Bhutto had received a phone call by the then President General (retd) Pervez Musharraf in his presence. Siegel says Musharraf had told Benazir that he would not be responsible for her security if she returned to Pakistani prior to the elections.

Siegal has also alleged that Pervez Musharraf was aware of the plot to assassinate Benazir Bhutto and had ordered the destruction of evidence.