Mark Seigel again postpones recording of statement

RAWALPINDI: US author Mark Seigel did not appear in Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC), Rawalpindi on Wednesday and has once again refused to record his statement in BB murder case saying that he would not be available at least for one month till October.
The court adjourned further hearing till August 31.
The US author through his embassy apologised for his inability to record his statement in Rawalpindi court on Wednesday. “I am not available for recording statement till October. I will try to record my statement in BB murder case in the month of October 2015,” he said.
Mark Seigel who earlier refused to appear in the court in person due to security threats as his statement is believed to be against former military dictator Pervez Musharraf. But, this year Seigel gave his consent to give statement through video link. The ATC, Rawalpindi Judge was waiting for Mark Seigel statement through video link on Wednesday but the US author once again refused.
The videoconference will be recorded under the supervision of Anti Terrorism Court that will also question Seigel regarding his statement. Now the statement is expected to be recorded in first week of October. Seigel’s statement will be recorded from Pakistan Embassy in Washington DC. According to earlier statement of Siegel, Pervez Musharraf had threatened Benazir with “dire consequences” if she returned home before 2008 election. On the directions of ATC Rawalpindi, the Ministry of Interior has made video link arrangements in the office of Commissioner Rawalpindi.
Mark Siegel has claimed that Benazir Bhutto had received a phone call by the then President General (R) 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.
Siegel has also alleged that Pervez Musharraf was aware of the plot to assassinate Benazir Bhutto and had ordered the destruction of evidence. Former City Police Officer (CPO) Saud Aziz, former SP and others allegedly involved in BB murder case included Sher Zaman, Syed Aitzaz Shah, Hasnain Gull etc were present here at Adiala Jail during hearing.