The Elders condemn President Pervez Musharraf’s suspension of the constitution and imposition of martial law in Pakistan.

Chair of The Elders Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Jimmy Carter, Graça Machel and Mary Robinson issued the following statement today regarding Pakistan:

“We, members of the Elders, strongly condemn President Pervez Musharraf’s suspension of the constitution and imposition of martial law in Pakistan. These illegal acts have resulted in abuse and incarceration of judges, lawyers, human rights activists, journalists, and other moderate and democratic opposition forces. Instead of a war against terrorism, the attacks have been against freedom and democracy, apparently precipitated by the prospect of having his recent “re-election” declared unconstitutional. President Musharraf’s commitments to relinquish his military rank next month and to hold free and fair elections early in 2008 are now in doubt.

The Elders support all those freedom-loving Pakistanis who have chosen to join in peaceful expressions of opposition to these dictatorial acts, and call upon political leaders throughout the world to insist on a return to a lawful government under Pakistan’s constitution.”