A warm welcome at Islamabad

Innocent Pakistani student who was earlier falsely accused in Chile and later exonerated of the baseless charges, arrived in Islamabad on 16th of January, 2011. Saif was greeted with flower petals at the Islamabad airport. A large number of friends and well wishers greeted and welcomed him to his homeland.

Speaking to the media, Saif thanked all those who supported him directly and indirectly. He specially thanked the Chilean Senator Navarro for his valuable support throughout his stay in Chile.

This closes a chapter in the life of a wonderful brave person who endured through the most trying times of his life. A lesson that every Pakistani can learn from this debacle is to value freedom, stand for truth and justice and never deter from saying the truth. In addition, it also sets an example for the peace loving, law-abiding Pakistanis all over the world that they would stand united and never allow themselves to be treated like lesser human beings.

After Almighty God, a special thanks to all the friends and supporters of Saif Khan in Chile, Pakistan and around the world who stood by him and made possible the unthinkable. The coalition of support of Saif congratulates Saif and his family for their will and determination to stand up for what was right. Pakistani nation is NOT for sale! Victory of truth always! Alhamdulilah.

Saif visits the Chilean Congress

Saif Khan met MPs at the upper house of Chilean Congress. It was announced at the Human Rights Commission at the Chamber of Deputies on Tuesday, December 14th, 2010 that the Interior Minister, Rodrigo Hinzpeter is deliberately not sorting out Saif’s immigration status as his visa earlier expired. The interior minister is in effect trying to expel him from the country despite the fact that prosecution dismissed the charges against him. This in their view, amounts to further injustice by the minister of interior. At the Chilean Congress, Saif was accompanied by his wife, Lorena Cotroneo, and his defense counsel Ariel Zuniga, who told MPs that the State of Chile violated the human rights of his represented (Saif Khan) and demanded justice and reparation for him. He added that the interior minister has slandered Mr. Saif Khan, and insisted that the Government should make the appropriate apologies to Mr. Khan.

The members of the Human Rights Committee of the Chilean senate noted that Saif has been a victim of intimidation by the Ministry of Interior. Earlier in May, the Pakistani student was falsely accused and after seven months his innocence was proven. No crime was ever committed by Saif and this whole drama has proved to be of immense shame and humiliation for the interior minister of Chile, who exceeded his limits by interfering in the judicial process, and violating the important rule of innocent until proven guilty. All along, the Chilean nation and the international community watched with skepticism the allegations against an innocent student and the drama that was unfolding in Chile.

Deputy Sergio Ojeda, a member of the Human Rights Committee of the House, called on the government to publicly express its apologies to the Pakistani national Muhammed Saif Ur Rehman Khan.  He added that, “he (Saif) was prosecuted for possession of explosives, subjected to a detention based on an unfair prosecution… and his image tarnished from a simple foreign citizen to a dangerous terrorist and extremist, which turned out to be absolutely false”.

After listening to the foreign citizen, the members assured him their full support and agreed to send a document to the Police Investigations (PDI) and the Public Ministry to explain the operations conducted and its rationale besides clarifying to the Senate committee of the history of the case in terms of human rights. “What we do as a House committee is to express a political opinion regarding the improper conduct of a high authority of government… “said the deputy, Sergio Aguilo. The deputy Aguilo also stressed that the investigation was restricted to the Pakistani student at the insistence of the Interior Ministry, as even the U.S. ambassador in Chile did not file any legal complaint against him. Therefore, “…members of the Commission on Human Rights of the House are not going to hesitate in studying the filing of an impeachment,” of Mr. Hinzpeter.   The members also issued a public statement rejecting the actions of Interior Minister Rodrigo Hintzpeter in this case and demand a public apology for her false accusations.

The President of the Human Rights Commission, MP Hugo Gutierrez,  hoped that the facts be clarified as soon as possible, given the damage caused to the Pakistani and valued members of the Commission provide all necessary support.

After the meeting, counsel for the student, Ariel Zúñiga, appreciated the support won by the parliamentarians, saying “to report these facts, to come forward and try to help regain his honor, not only deserves to regularize his immigration status, but be given citizenship by grace”.

Prosecutors drop charges against Saif Khan

Prosecutor Alejandro Peña  on Wednesday (1st December, 2010) asked a court “not to persevere” against Saif Khan who was falsely accused in May. Peña said that having practiced the “investigative procedures” in the case “not enough evidence was found for an indictment”. The prosecutor’s decision was due to failure to confirm suspicions against Saif Khan. In other words, “having all necessary investigative steps, not enough evidence was found to press an accusation. The traces found were not constituted as sufficient to accuse him,” says the text submitted by the prosecution.

More than what happened at the US embassy, the whole 7 months long drama was pursued simply based on suspicions and no proof.  Obviously, when no crime was committed, it was ludicrous to even continue this for almost 7 months. The trauma and anguish Saif and his family went through has no meaning for those engaged in this injustice.

This latest development cements and proves the reality of Saif’s innocence. Truly, Saif is absolutely innocent and now the whole world knows it. It is also clear that Saif has been a victim of severe injustice. Saif was falsely accused and 7 months of his life and his family’s have been wasted.

A court hearing has been requested on December 6th at the Center of Justice of Santiago.

Chilean authorities go to greater lengths to harass Saif and his family

It is an irony that how even after six months, the authorities have yet not been able to bring forth a shred of evidence against Saif – how can they when innocent Saif’s life is a clean slate. Unfortunately, misuse of power and authority has played a major role in this whole drama. One new development in this case is that the Chilean officials have finally arrived in the US to take Saif’s brother’s (who is a PHD student there) testimony. It is very strange because as to why after six months they realized they had to take his testimony also. Another strange thing which does not make any sense as to why SAIF”S PARENTS (who are in Pakistan right now) were not asked to testify even ONCE despite their stay in Chile for more than five months! They talked to media in favour of their innocent son but the authorities made sure that not many media outlets run those interviews. The past record of the Chilean authorities in this regard has been widely dubious and questionable. Against all legal and moral norms, they did not even hesitate to publish in the newspapers private photographs of Saif and attributed false information to him.

The Chilean government based on a convention between their government and that of the United States have approached Saif’s brother in United States who is currently doing his PhD and is with his family. Saif and his family since six months have already fully cooperated to address the concerns that the authorities had.  It indeed is worth pondering, what took the Chilean government so long to ask an immediate family member of Saif at such a late stage; since they have been dragging the case for six months.

It is also clarified that Saif is free to move in Chile as he gained his freedom earlier in May. He cannot leave Chile until the investigations conclude. Now what remains to be seen is how this ”testimony” of Saif’s brother on US soil be able to help solve the case.

Accusers continue with their despicable lies

While parents of Saif arrive in Islamabad after waiting in Chile for 5 months, a particular section of the Chilean media continues with its despicable propaganda against innocent Saif Khan. This is not only outrageous but below decent journalistic standards. Chilean people and others around the world have had enough and are truly tired of the accusers continued lies. The Chilean visa for Saif’s parents was expiring and after waiting that long, they had no choice but to return to Pakistan to reunite with the rest of the family. They anxiously await an end to this injustice.

The prosecutors are  the only people who are not realizing to this day that they have no credibility and all their media stunts are only exposing their confusions and last-ditched efforts to build a false case. They have miserably failed already. Six months have passed and their ineptness and lies have caused enough damage to the image of an innocent student. They tried their best to engage in character assassination of Saif, but it has had the opposite impact. Wherever Saif goes, common Chilean people say words of support and express their disgust at the injustice by the accusers. Civilized societies cannot tolerate such wicked ways of the accusers against an innocent student. The accusers are fully exposed and the Chilean people have understood the reality of Saif’s innocence. It is about time, the accusers stop wasting the time of Saif and the honorable courts.

Saif’s parents returning to Pakistan

On the morning of October 30th, 2010, Saif’s parents leave for Santiago airport to travel back to Pakistan. Even after 6 months, they still await justice for their son who has committed no crime, harmed no one!

After staying in Santiago for 5 months, Saif’s parents leave Chile with the hope that the Chilean courts will deliver justice and exonerate Saif of all the baseless accusations. They had come to Chile to defend their innocent son and nullify the stupid allegation that Saif was not “socially embedded”. They were in Chile to send out a message loud and clear that no one must stay quiet at an injustice committed anywhere. They may have been sad not to be able to return with their son at this time, but they are always confident and hopeful; since those who raise their children with the best of upbringing, moral values and love for humanity have nothing to fear nor worry about.

While there are still no charges, nor any proof against Saif, the campaign to malign an innocent peace loving person continues at the behest of the accusers. Surely the accusers who committed this injustice and are desperate to cook new lies and buy more time will ultimately face humiliation in public and in front of honorable courts. They already have lost all moral ground to be serving in their positions. Not only what the accusers do against Saif is ridiculous but also sad. The circus that has continued in Chile for 6 months simply based on suspicions and lies must now end. There is no justice, no humanity in playing with the lives of innocent, law-abiding people.

It is high time to realize that the paranoia and madness against an entire community must cease. Time never stays the same and greatness of nations is hidden in the golden values of justice and fair-play. The resolve to stand for justice and truth is higher than ever!

Crimes against Pakistani student

It has been more than 5 months since Saif was first detained by the Chilean authorities on baseless charges, without proof and evidence. They may do all the media stunts to improve its image, but the fact is that their true face was revealed the very day they humiliated and discriminated against a Pakistani. The coalition for the support of Saif, within the bounds of law will do everything to hold accountable the accusers for these grave injustices!

Crimes of some sections in the Chilean authorities  against a Pakistani:

• Illegal detention of Saif in May without proof, merely based on suspicion. Traces of chemical residues (that too never tested by an independent agency), are not enough to unjustly blame an innocent student.
• Defamation campaign in a famous section of media. Release of personal and private pictures that have no relation with the case in the particular media. This act of the accusers is condemnable.
• Continuous mental torture of Saif and his family. One lie after an other in the media and courts against Saif  would put any human being to shame but not the Chilean authorities who are involved in this injustice.
• Dragging the case for five months and still rightly nothing against Saif. Asking for more time and inventing baseless things against Saif and wasting court’s time has become the norm. Nothing can compensate for the character assassination of an innocent student. Nothing can bring back more than five months of valuable time of Saif’s life. There is no charge against innocent Saif. No crime was committed and yet Saif cannot lead a normal life. Injustice has limits!
• Illegal breaking into Saif’s apartment by Chilean PDI officials without judicial authorization.
• Discrimination against a Pakistani – Even a Chilean court had warned the authorities who committed this injustice not to discriminate against a community in one of the hearings in Saif’s case. The authorities seem to be disrespectful of court’s decision.

The accusers who constantly spoke against Saif and even called him a “terrorist” must apologize for exceeding their limits! They have forgotten that they are the ones terrorizing others. They are responsible for bringing a bad name to Chile. Respect for law and due process must be paramount but some members amongst the Chilean authorities still needs to learn that! They have no right to tarnish the beautiful image of Chile.

Saif does not have anything to hide.  He is still waiting for the prosecutors to show the proofs in the court. Until now the accusers have not produced anything against Saif because there is nothing against Saif. The law and any civilized society clearly abhors the character assassination of an innocent person and clearly condemns the release of documents of an investigation in the media. If there is anything, than the accusers must present that in courts instead of continuing with defaming an innocent person with cheap tactics.

President Pinera forgot the 34th human victim – innocent Saif

The world celebrated as 33 lucky Chilean miners were rescued from the mine. It indeed was a tale of perseverance, patience and hope. Hope in a new life, a new beginning. It is a welcome relief for the families of those miners whose pain, anguish and anxiety can be hard to comprehend. They waited for weeks for their loved one in the hope that one day they will be re-united. There were emotional scenes of jubilation at the mine site. At this point it is pertinent to mention that just as the families of 33 miners experienced immense anxiety, the family of Saif Khan is still passing through a nightmare. As the Chilean president Pinera welcomed all 33 miners himself, he seems to have forgotten about another human victim – innocent Saif Khan who has been waiting for more than 5 months. Saif still awaits his freedom! He is trapped in Chile even longer than the 33 miners.

Saif has not committed any crime, yet he and his family are being punished in Pinera’s Chile! Is the value of life and human dignity not equal? Are Pakistanis less human than Chileans? Who decides which human being is worth more?

While we are happy at the news of the Chilean miners being rescued safely, we anxiously wait, and wait with all the strength and determination for our innocent Saif to be re-united with his family too. If people truly believe in the equality of human beings, than the plight of the innocent young student needs due consideration. Just as families of the miners faced immense anxiety and stress which is now for them over, the family of Saif till this day awaits justice and real freedom of Saif when he can start his normal life, study and work. He also deserves a decent life especially after his marriage.

Chile’s president has said “his country will never be the same again after the extraordinary rescue of the 33 miners” trapped underground for 69 days. Mr. President, we really hope that you put your words into action. We wait and see that no injustice takes place in Chile again. Would Pinera government show  magnanimity and end Saif’s case thus ending injustice against an innocent student? Would it show to the people of Chile and the world that it cares for all human beings, regardless of race, religion and color?

Pakistani prisoners in Santiago

Caring, honest, confident and hard working, these are the words that rightly define the innocent young Pakistani student who has become a prisoner in Santiago. From coming this far in quest of learning, to working hard in tourism and hospitality, Saif has always made his parents and family proud.

During his college years at University College of Islamabad (UCI), he had proven to be successful in creating fascination in the said institution. He was praised by college staff and fellow students in general and by his principal Catalina Alliende who is a Chilean and also happens to be the honorary Chilean visa consular in Islamabad. She motivated and recommended Saif to proceed to Chile as a suitable place to excel in his career. Saif highly respects Miss Catalina for her support and mentoring. Saif arrived in Chile in January 2010 and started his education at a prestigious institute in Santiago. Things were normal, however what followed after May 07^th phone call from the US embassy is nothing short of a nightmare!

His caring and friendly attitude was evident from his enthusiasm in helping fellow Chileans in the earth quake relief efforts after the devastation caused by the earthquake earlier this year. Humanity always came first for a person like Saif. He was hardly ever interested in politics and never wants to engage in any. Therefore, it is beyond doubt and remotely understandable why the Chilean authorities continue with their vile accusations against him. This is complicated by the fact that the whole case even after five months is still being “built” without any evidence and proofs. Even 150 days were not enough to “build a case against Saif? This speaks volumes about the flimsiness of the claims against him that they could not stand in the court of law. Simply based on presumptions, new stories are carved and brought in the honorable courts. No doubt, till now the judgments have generally been in favor of Saif. His innocence and the fact that his human rights are being violated is also proven by the fact that Saif was released from high security detention center after five days in May. What is frustrating is the fact that precious time has been taken away from Saif as his educational career is compromised. A student of his age does not deserve such grave injustice especially in a civilized country!

Following the case closely reveals that the accusations become stranger and outrageous by the day. In the initial stages, Saif was accused of having links with illicit groups inside and outside Chile. Later, the mantra changed to new baseless and often laughable accusations about him being involved with some indigenous anti-state elements. The court rightly rejected all claims by the accusers as they were no more than a mockery of justice and a waste of court’s time. The Chilean interior minister tried his best to apply the anti-terrorism act on Saif, which too was rejected by the honorable court. It is amazing that someone would go to that extent against a person who is allegedly found with traces of a chemical substance that could have come from anywhere in the environment especially in a city rebuilding after a devastating earthquake. The defeat and humiliation caused to the Chilean authorities by their own acts of injustice have made them more desperate for a face-saving and somehow crossing the limits of sanity in hatching new accusations.

To aid their innocent son, Saif parents have been in Santiago since four months and in a way are also suffering at the hands of open discrimination and injustice at the hands of Chilean authorities especially the interior minister Rodrigo Hinzpeter. Mr. Hinzpeter seems to be in the grip of anti-Muslim bias and paranoia causing immense inconvenience, slander and a terrorism phobia mainly directed at the peaceful and law-abiding Muslim community in Chile.

There is no intention whatsoever to point fingers at anyone. However, there are so many unanswered questions which make any person question the intention of the authorities.

1. Why was Saif called to the US embassy in Chile? He already had 5 years US visa, was in the US in January and had no intention of being at the embassy. He was called in an unprofessional way and then the whole issue emerged.
2. Why was Saif declared by the Chilean authorities as a “terrorist” simply because some accusations were laid by a private security agency that he had TRACES of some explosives on his documents? Let alone an apology, since there was no clarification from the accusers, this can only be understood as a generally prevalent Islamophobia. The very negative label is enough to destroy the image and life of a law-abiding innocent student.
3. Why did authorities try to accuse Saif of having links with illicit groups, whom neither Saif nor his family has any idea of?
4. At the end of May, when the prosecutor wanted to drop the charges against Saif, why was he replaced with a new prosecutor? In addition, the replacement of the US ambassador in Chile, the FBI chief in Chile and other officials in positions of authority raises many questions.
5. The ever-changing accusations and the stance of the accusers is nothing less than a mockery of justice. Would any sincere individuals in positions of authority ever do such acts to tarnish the image of an innocent student belonging to a particular religion and nationality?

We ask the world community and the human rights organizations to take notice of this grave human rights violation.  We are confident that truth will ultimately prevail.

Prosecutors & new lies

Secrecy and concealment of facts is not acceptable. Such petty behavior does not match the principles of fair-play and justice. After passing of around five months, the prosecutors have come up with new lies and are trying to carve new stories.

A realization and acceptance of faults does not make anyone small. This is exactly what the authorities need to do. We do not have to repeat Saif’s innocence as the whole Chilean nation stands with him. It is simply unacceptable that Saif and his family have to go through this entire trauma. His right to live with dignity has been snatched from him. This indeed is a grave human rights violation. After seeing an innocent person who is helpless, we will advise anyone belonging to our faith or our nationality to avoid coming to Chile, be it for tourism or education. We have no doubt now that the Chilean authorities do not respect the principles of truth, justice and equality.

Photo: Francisco Eagle Emol

Today, the tribunal extended the time for investigations by 60 more days! The prosecutors demanded 90 days extension, but judge Carolina Araya extended the investigation period to 60 days and has allowed Saif to travel freely inside Chile. Earlier Saif was not allowed to leave the Santiago area. Despite these arguments, the public criminal defender Gabriel Carrión opposed the request noting that most of the data submitted by the prosecution were already known and significant time had already been taken to “investigate”. Carrion also added that the measure has already affected freedom of Saif Khan and his parents.

 

After five months investigating the allegations by the US Embassy in Chile that Muhamed Saif ur Rehman Khan had alleged traces of tetryl on him when he went to the US Embassy on May 10, the prosecutor has not been able to produce one shred of evidence that Saif violated any law.  To appeal in the court against him by the prosecutors is a travesty of justice.

In fact, even the charges themselves have no substance.  Saif, a Pakistani citizen in Chile with a student visa, was summoned to the U.S. Embassy on May 07th by an embassy employee.  When Saif entered the embassy, his papers and cell phone were taken from his possession.  The alleged traces of tetryl that were supposedly found on him were in fact only found on the items taken from him (handled by the US embassy staff) and not on Saif or his clothing, according the Chilean police, who were called to the scene.

The other supposed “evidence” was obtained after three PDI detectives entered Saif’s apartment without a warrant while Saif was detained in the US Embassy.  These Chilean police agents were later reported to be following orders of the US Embassy, not of their police superiors.

In addition to the fact that traces (not significant quantities, but simply traces) were only allegedly found on items not in Saif’s possession, the fact is that no crime was committed.  Chilean law forbids possession of explosives, not contamination by “traces” of tetryl.  As the public defender Gabriel Carrion has said, not only is Saif not guilty, but in fact there was no crime.

Saif should be fully exonerated at this point.  To allow the prosecutor additional time to “build his case” is a travesty of justice. When a person is innocent, as Saif is, it is impossible to find evidence, no matter how much time is granted.  Saif has been detained for six days shy of five months.  This is a grave injustice.  It has been an extreme hardship on him and his family, especially his parents who traveled to Chile to support him through this ordeal.

Even the kindness and support of the Chilean people cannot make up for the six months of freedom taken from Saif, and the damage done to his reputation by false accusations.  It is time for the Chilean people to stand up to their government.  It is time for the international community to take notice and demand Saif’s freedom and complete exoneration.

Showdown – Truth versus falsehood

While the members of coalition of support of Saif Khan and millions around the world wait anxiously for justice, the opponents make a shameless final attempt to save themselves from humiliation, thus falling to a new low. Popular newspapers in Chile report a latest lie from the prosecutors about innocent Saif Khan. What is amazing is that such ridiculous propaganda only exposes the opponents and humiliates them further. It is also amazing that opponents are shameless creatures that have fallen below levels of human dignity. In  fact, we do not even consider paying attention to their lies anymore. They are only harming their own diminished credibility.

We are very hopeful that truth will prevail today in-sha-Allah and have faith in the Chilean justice system which has already given several judgments in favor of Saif. Today, the court is expected to give a decision as prosecutors brazenly ask for more time. 180 million Pakistanis and well wishers around the world supporting Saif Khan hope and pray for his dignified return to his country. Truth is very evident regarding Saif’s innocence. It is very evident that the opponents are desperate for a face-saving at the immense humiliation caused through their own injustice against an innocent student.

Earlier, Pakistani Foreign Ministry spokesman Abdul Basit, speaking to Dawn News said that there are “gaps” in the case against Saif Khan and that they are closely watching the situation. We are hopeful for an end to this drama and an end to Islamophobia and anti-Pakistan bias from the opponents.

We reiterate that we are all united and firm in support of Saif Khan!!! Surely and most surely truth always prevails for falsehood is bound to perish.

Court hearing on 4th October

The court hearing for innocent Saif Khan’s case will be on 4th October, 2010. We respect and have faith in the Chilean justice system and are hopeful for an end to the case. In-sha-Allah (God willing), justice will prevail!

Friends of Saif Khan reiterate their continued support for him and pray for his dignified return to his homeland. We are proud of innocent Saif Khan for standing up against all adversities and being steadfast and resolute.

Members of the coalition for the support of Saif wait till October 4th court hearing in Santiago. In-sha-Allah hoping for the best and persevering in this trying time. Need prayers and support from everyone. The week of October 4th may prove to be decisive, making possible the arrival of Saif and his parents to Pakistan.

Racial Profiling?

Why was Saif Khan (a Pakistani citizen) called to the US embassy in Chile on May 10th, 2010? No clarifications provided, but a mess created.  Upon investigations, Interpol and all other agencies have clearly reported that there is nothing against Saif Khan. He was called to the US embassy Santiago based on some sort of baseless suspicion because he was a Muslim or a Pakistani? This paranoia must end!

Saif Khan already had US visa and had twice traveled to the United States. In January 2010, he was in the United States. He admired the values of freedom and justice that United States stands for. He has friends and family in the US, yet there were baseless suspicions against him that have not been clarified. A student, a Pakistani, a Muslim became victim of racial profiling?

Nobody can understand the anguish and pain Saif and his family has been through due to someone’s mistake. Desiring only to pursue a decent future through education, Saif ended up being in international news headlines for all the wrong reasons. There is no way to quantify the great injustice that has been done. Already, four months of his precious time has been wasted when a person of his age aspires to start a career, wanting to live a decent life. The emotional distress caused to the family members and friends would take years to overcome. Friends and family of Saif only have words of peace and prayer for the misguided who engaged in such injustice. Do all human beings not have a right to live equally in peace and be seen without religious and national bias?

It is pertinent to add here with all our conviction that we as human beings (especially Muslims and Pakistanis) must not blind our vision and fall prey to the same disease of stereotyping an entire country and community as evil and unjust. This would equate us to a small group of  people which may have caused this entire injustice. In no way should this case be a cause for anti-Americanism and blaming the entire United States and its people. Stereotyping and negativity has no place for Saif and his supporters. While we do raise our voice against an injustice, we are cognizant of the fact that just as we Muslims and Pakistanis, there are millions of Americans, Chileans and other peace loving people in the world who would never tolerate injustice to anyone.

Eid in Santiago

Feliz Eid-ulFitr!

Happy Eid to all Muslims around the world and especially in Chile. May this Eid be full of happiness, love and understanding. Friends and family of Saif Khan wish everyone a blessed Eid.

Eid is a special occasion for Muslims as they end the month of Ramadan. At this Eid, Saif is away from his siblings and distant family members and friends in Pakistan. We wish Saif Khan all the best as the 120 days investigations period reaches an end on Sunday, 12th of September. We pray at this joyous event that justice is finally done and that Saif Khan is able to return to his homeland with the respect that he deserves.

End the case against innocent Saif Khan

After more than 100 days, the investigations regarding Saif Khan have only proven that he is absolutely innocent. Those who are sincere  in understanding the case know fully well the perpetrators of this injustice. His friends, family, co-workers, and admirers all testify of his innocence and demand an end to this injustice. The second week of September will mark an end to the 120 days investigations period. Major developments since May 10th are as follows:

• It was proven that Saif did not have any traces of alleged chemical residues on his hands. This was in sharp contrast to the vile propaganda started by the opponents. The very fact that there were no traces of anything harmful on his hands makes any person wonder about the absurdity of allegations against him. People are not naive not to understand that this is nothing less than a set-up and a case based on lies and deceptions. It fully exposed the opponents and their plan to malign the Muslim community besides creating a senseless terrorism-phobia in Chile.
• Many officials in key positions were replaced. The US ambassador to Chile, Paul Simmons appointed by the Bush administration, was sent home. Even if it is not admitted publicly, the open case of racial profiling and anti-Muslim and Pakistan bias has definitely been a cause of embarrassment for the US foreign policy in South America. Besides the ambassador, the FBI chief in Chile, Stanley Stoy was sent back besides a replacement of the intelligence chief in Chile. The Chilean prosecutor in this case was earlier replaced. The Chilean nation is awake and fully understands the situation. Surely, good image of a country is not based on lies and cosmetic measures but on honesty and sincerity. So much for “building bridges” with the Muslim world!
• Miss Catalina Alliende, the Chilean government representative in Islamabad herself testified of Saif’s innocence in a Santiago court. She clarified that she recommended and advised Saif to come to Chile. This nullified all claims by the opponents questioning the arrival and presence of Saif Khan in Chile. She is not only the honorary Chilean visa consular in Islamabad but also knew Saif as his college principal.
• Officials illegally entered into Saif Khan’s apartment at the same time he was in the US embassy, Santiago. This necessarily means that the only so called “evidence” of any chemical traces on his belongings was tampered with and thus nullified. In reality, this act itself is a breach of legal procedures and nothing less than a crime committed by the opponents.

There are various other details discussed earlier that have also proven that all this were a set-up and that Saif Khan was framed. It is shameful that opponents engaged in such injustice and caused immense harm and mental torture to an innocent young student and his family. The Pakistani nation will always remember the injustice committed by the government in Chile against its citizen. This case is also a learning opportunity for many as it exposed the acts of “civilized nations” and how “credible” media in general reports especially against people who belong to a particular religion and nationality.

It is clear that those who openly lied against an innocent person and framed him based on their evil vested interests will never come forward to clarify that they committed injustice and deceived their own nations. Nevertheless, all justice and truth loving people now fully know what great injustice has been committed against Saif Khan!

We all demand an end to this case so that Saif and his parents return to their homeland. No further delay in justice is acceptable!!

Understanding the distress of family members

Ivan Alvarado/Reuters-Relatives of the trapped miners gathered outside of the mine in Copiapo, Chile, on Sunday night.

President of Chile – Mr. Sebastian Pinera,

Congratulations on the news that 33 miners trapped in a Chilean mine are alive. Your happiness can surely be understood as you are responsible for the betterment and welfare of the Chilean nation. This is good news for Saif’s family also as they can very well feel the excitement and happiness of the family members of those miners trapped inside the mines.

With this we want to bring your attention to a case which still remains unresolved after more than 3 months in your country’s capital. Saif Khan cannot leave Santiago is with his parents. During all this time, the anxiety, the long wait and condition of Saif and his family cannot be explained in words. Just as only the families of the trapped miners can feel the pain of their loved ones inside the mine, others can only try to understand the plight of an innocent held accountable for something he has not done. In fact, there is nothing against Saif Khan that may be a cause of concern.

At this time of happiness for Chile, we pray and wish that the trapped miners meet their families in weeks and not months. With this we also hope that the whole case is closed. The investigations regarding Saif Khan are inconclusive even after 3 months. Saif Khan is absolutely innocent and he shares with his family the anguish of waiting for justice. We are hopeful that he will be relieved of this anguish and allowed to return to his native country with his parents. There has been more than enough unwanted wait for justice.

We as Saif’s family request you as the President and as a human being to intervene into the matter so that an innocent person and his family has to suffer no more. Your positive intervention would surely leave lasting good memories between the Pakistani and the Chilean nation.

Deceptions, lies and new lies

As the time limit for the investigation comes to an end, there seems to be a last-ditch attempt to breathe some life into their sorry excuse for a case. Surprisingly, the list of chemicals allegedly found on the belongings (based on tampered and nullified evidence) has been added with new substances.  The facts are that Saif did not have any chemicals on his hands/body or clothing.  They were only “found” on items that were either removed from his possession or in his apartment that was violated by entrance without warrant. In addition, they keep on repeating the same baseless arguments through media that such and such chemicals were found. It is time to admit that the opponents framed Saif Khan.

A particular media outlet has launched a new smear campaign. The opponents simply have not realized that they have miserably failed and are just continuing their shameless behavior just to save their jobs. They have already deceived, lied and committed a crime by laying false allegations on an innocent person. People of Chile and supporters of Saif around the world know very well the dirty games that the opponents have played over the last few months.

The prosecutors must answer why they have wasted our time, court’s time and the money & resources of the Chilean nation? When will this non-sense end?!

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday!

Dear Saif, even though you are far away from home, we wish that you have a wonderful birthday full of happiness. InshaAllah these days will pass and you will come home soon.

We will always stand firm in the face of this injustice! In-sha-Allah. Best wishes and full support on this special birthday in the blessed month of Ramadan.

“I feel guilty for recommending Saif to come to Chile”

“I feel guilty for recommending Saif to come to Chile”. These were the words of Dr. Catalina Alliende, honorary consul of Chile in Islamabad as she testified in Saif’s favor in court in Santiago last week. She cleared the doubts raised by the prosecution as to why the young Pakistani had come to Chile. Despite opposition from the Prosecutor and the Ministry of Interior, the defense of Saif Ur Rehman Khan made a request to Fourth Guarantee Santiago Court  which was accepted and a testimony of a key character in this whole case, the honorary consul of Chile in Islamabad, Mary Catalina Alliende, became possible.

Since the beginning of this case the opponents raised their “strongest” arguments that the defense did not have sufficient explanation for the arrival and stay of a citizen of a country far away as Pakistan in Chile. The whole case was based on presumptions and anti-Muslim bias. What the opponents were saying was also a direct violation of the principle of presumption of innocence.

The family of Saif Khan have no regrets that Saif went to Chile to further his educational career. In fact, the opponents in Chile in positions of authority whom everyone knows created this mess, need to feel guilty and ashamed of their wrong doing. Their injustice against an innocent may go un-accounted for in this world but surely and most definitely they will be accountable for their deeds in court of ultimate justice of God. Although the whole case has been nothing short of a nightmare for Saif’s family and friends, but surely we are proud that God-willing we stood up for truth and justice!

New irregularities discovered – Search without judicial authorization

 

Saif's lawyer - Gabriel Carrion

 

New irregularities have been discovered in how the opponents handled the case. Public defender Gabriel Carrion said the proceedings in which “evidence” was found against the student of hospitality (Saif Khan) were carried out “without warrant”. Saif Khan’s lawyer Gabriel Carrion further said that an investigation will be made of all the background on the illegal entry by personnel to the residence of Saif Khan, at the same time when he was arrested inside the embassy. Personnel entered Saif Khan’s room “without a warrant” and “without judicial authorization”. This illegal act was in no way “subject to the immigration regulations” as alleged by the opponents.

A team of police showed a photo set in which detectives are entering the housing estate where Saif Khan lived, in downtown Santiago. The images were captured by uniformed police who were waiting a possible search warrant. Public criminal defender, Gabriel Carrión, said this afternoon that from a judicial perspective, obviously the “evidence” that was collected later by police personnel is particularly unreliable and “polluted”, thus further weakening the baseless accusation made against Saif ur Rehman Khan.

Miss Catalina Alliende testifies in favour of Saif

Photo: Santiago Llanquin, El Mercurio.

Miss Catalina Alliende, the honorary consul of Chile in Islamabad and the college principal (UCI) of Saif Khan, testified in a Santiago court today for nearly 2 hours. She established the fact that she herself encouraged Saif Khan to travel to Chile to learn Spanish language at eFronteras institute in Santiago. In addition, she clarified that she knew Saif Khan and his family members since many years. She stated that she is “convinced that Saif is innocent”. Today’s hearing annuls and falsifies the constant outrageous lies against Saif Khan by the opponents.

She also commented on the so-called “declaration” given to the then chief prosecutor, Xavier Armendariz, just hours after the arrest of Saif; and in which the prosecution not only recorded the phone conversation with Miss Alliende without her consent but also tried to give wrong impressions to the court. Obviously their deceptive tactics can put any honest human being to shame.

Another major point related in court by Miss Alliende was about the investigations by the police earlier in March even before him being falsely accused in US embassy on 10^th of May, 2010. Saif Khan had no knowledge whatsoever of what was happening as the director of eFronteras, Miss Alejendra Vicencio upon being contacted by the police about Saif based on some weird suspicions and racial profiling, never had the courtesy and the sincerity to mention the police visit to Saif. Saif Khan was shocked to learn from Miss Catalina (who had email conversation with Miss Vicencio in March) that eFronteras Director Alejendra Vicencio concealed this potentially important development from him. Had Saif Khan known in March that something strange was happening by the Chilean government, he would have surely come forward and clarified any misconceptions. Just as testified by Miss Catalina in court, Saif was in Chile only because he was advised by her. His educational ambitions took him to Chile where he ended up in such mess, in the middle of conspiracies and false accusations.

No foreign student from anywhere in the world must ever go to Chile!! This is more so for certain nationalities and religion. Contrary to the wonderful, welcoming and friendly people of Chile, certain sections of the current Chilean government openly discriminate on the basis of race, religion and nationality especially against Muslims.

Saif Khan’s public defender, Gabriel Carrión, said that the declaration of the consul Miss Catalina Alliende today, supports  the defense’s arguments, in that “Saif arrived in Chile with a precise objective: to study and practice hotel management. The family demands that after all has been clarified regarding Saif Khan, all charges must be dropped and injustice that started in May must end now!

Veil of secrecy lifted – Key testimony tomorrow

After lifting of the unwanted and undesirable veil of secrecy imposed by the opponents, today’s day was crucial since it was the first public hearing of the case. Finally the veil of secrecy has been lifted. Saif Khan and his family had from the very first day requested that all case proceedings take place in public, open in front of media; since being innocent they have nothing to hide. It was the opponent’s side whose constant pressure and deceptive tactics resulted in everything taking place in secrecy.

In another major development, tomorrow (04 August, 2010) the fourth Court of Santiago will take the statement of the Honorary Consul of Chile in Islamabad, Dr. Maria Catalina Alliende who is in Santiago since many weeks. She will explain in court how and when she met Saif Ur Rehman Khan in Islamabad as a student. She is expected to return to Islamabad by August 10.

Miss Catalina will clear certain misconceptions hatched by opponents and set the records straight. Not only did Miss Catalina as a mentor recommend Saif Khan to proceed to Chile for further education related to tourism but also granted him Chile’s visa based on complete trust and confidence in him. Saif Khan and Miss Catalina were in constant touch via email since his arrival in Santiago. This speaks highly of the personality of Saif who rightly respects his elders as per his faith, traditions and culture.

It is re-iterated that Miss Catalina is highly respectable and Saif Khan and his family have always held her and her advice in high esteem. Her role as a mentor is not limited to Saif Khan but when needed to many others like Saif who have studied in her college in Islamabad.  Her service to the Pakistani people in the field of education is priceless. The baseless and false charges against Saif are not only an insult to peace loving and humane people but also to the ideals of justice, fair-play and truth.

Earlier, the statement by Miss Catalina Alliende over telephone taken by the previous prosecutor was “misunderstood” and misquoted. She will clarify tomorrow that not only does she know Saif and his family members but also that she as a highly respectable elder and college principal, advised Saif Khan to proceed to Chile to study Spanish language and gain tourism experience. This valuable advice was very much in line with Saif’s educational qualifications and interests in tourism and hospitality.

Saif Khan and his family await justice and look forward to a prompt dropping of all baseless charges.

The strange impasse

After passing of several weeks, the prosecutors have not given any information as investigations stand inconclusive behind a veil of secrecy. Saif Khan’s public defender Gabriel Carrion blamed the prosecutors for not making any contact regarding the progress of investigations. Since June 17, 2010 the  new prosecutor Ajendro Pena has been heading the investigations but till now there seems to be an unwanted impasse. Every fifteen days, Saif Khan has to appear and sign at the international police office in Santiago. The case has unreasonably dragged on till this day.  Saif Khan and his parents are in Santiago and anxiously await an end to this drama.

The Chilean Public Ministry has not issued any new measures that can help clarify the facts. It is indeed sad and frustrating to see such long and secret investigations that are leading nowhere, only wasting everyone’s time. Although the people of Pakistan and Chile are ever closer, the whole incident has left a bad impression of the Chilean authorities who have only caused more injustice through their delaying tactics. End this injustice now!

Exclusive interview with El Observatodo

“In an extensive conversation with the correspondent Jorge Bujalil, the young student reviews his days in jail, his impressions of what happened and present, and his help as a volunteer to help earth-quake effected people of Chile.

The case of Saif Khan, a Pakistani citizen has shocked international society by the abuse of power that has occurred affecting a person’s dignity and human rights. In a pleasant conversation, Saif told us his perspective of events…”

http://www.elobservatodo.cl/admin/render/noticia/17659

Do you know the value of freedom?

More than 60 days have passed since Saif Khan was first arrested and the case still remains unresolved. To support their son, and after hearing the baseless and never ending allegations by the opponents, the parents felt compelled to travel to Chile to dispel the false lies against him. In fact, due to the long wait for justice they are suffering with their innocent son in a foreign country. Prosecutors changed, intelligence chiefs fired, an ambassador sent home, yet the plight of Saif Khan and his parents remains the same. Saif is out of the maximum security prison but justice remains to be done. Saif Khan cannot leave Santiago, Chile until the investigations conclude. There is nothing found against Saif Khan as he is absolutely innocent of any activity that may be considered wrong. The family and friends of Saif respect the judicial process underway, but also look forward to an early resolution of the case.

Saif’s father has diabetes and he is naturally not comfortable away from his home in Islamabad. His 95 years old mother who is dependent on Saif’s parents awaits his prompt return. Saif’s younger siblings in Islamabad also wait for their parents. Truly, justice delayed is justice denied! Real justice is speedy, without long delays. Why should Saif and his family pay the price of something they have not done? This is another injustice taking place due to the whole case against innocent Saif. There is no doubt in our minds that a grave injustice has been committed by the opponents and it is clearly visible to every rational person in the world.

History has proven that racial and religious discrimination never take societies forward. Racial profiling that resulted in the summoning of innocent Saif Khan to the US embassy simply based on suspicions in a third country is what makes the whole case even more dubious. On top of that, the accusation that innocent Saif had TRACES of some sort of chemical on his documents created a storm in Chile just because he is a Muslim and a Pakistani? The whole incident was given a horrible spin that resulted in the demonizing of a whole country- Pakistan, harassment of a peace-loving Muslim community in Chile and of course a nightmare for Saif and his family.  Can anyone understand the value of freedom? Who can bring back the time wasted due to the blunder of the opponents (when Saif is held accountable for something he has not done)? Who can be answerable for the smear campaign earlier launched in a section of the media, when it did not hesitate to speak the most outrageous lies?

It is hard to understand and feel the true value of freedom. It may be hard for a person seeing the whole drama to comprehend the plight of the victims of injustice. Saif’s family, friends and millions around the world salute Saif Khan for his courage to stand up against oppression with the values of truth, honor and justice.

Surely, “Truth can not be suppressed and always is the ultimate victor”!

Some facts revisited

• Family and friends of Saif Khan demand an immediate end to this injustice and a dropping of all baseless charges against innocent Saif. Innocent Saif is not free to leave Chile and cannot even leave Santiago metropolitan area till 120 days investigations (staring May 15th) are completed.

• Since the US embassy in Santiago is not ready to let Mr. Bill Whitaker and other security staff to be questioned by Chilean justice (under diplomatic immunity), the case has no moral and legal justification to continue. No fancy language such as cooperation from “legal attache” can hide the fact that those who were directly handling innocent Saif Khan’s educational documents and cell phone inside the US embassy have been barred from being questioned. How can justice be done in such a situation?

• It has been proven that there were no traces of any harmful substance on Saif Khan’s hands, skin or clothes. Those who handled the documents inside the US embassy must answer how such a substance was found.

• Besides the Chilean prosecutor, the US ambassador in Chile, Paul Simons (appointed under the Bush administration) has been replaced.

• The long wait, anguish and injustice of being accused of something not done by Saif continues. His future has been affected while the opponents have no humanity to understand what they have done by discriminating against innocent Saif. Saif’s old parents who are in Santiago to defend Saif’s innocence are away from their other younger children and family in Islamabad.

• The opponents surely got their international headlines maligning Islam, Pakistan and an innocent Pakistani student. There was immense hype when this unfortunate drama unfolded on May 10th and a major smear campaign was launched which badly failed.

Friends of Saif

This post is dedicated to all those who are supporting Saif in this time of need. We are thankful for the enormous support for Saif expressed on various venues. There are already three different Spanish Facebook pages created by the Chileans  besides the main Truthabout Saif Facebook page that are showing solidarity for innocent Saif. This support by thousands of members from Pakistan, Chile, United States and other countries speaks highly of the wonderful personality of Saif and the desire to stand by truth regardless of color, creed, religion and nation. We re-iterate our desire and commitment that we will continue our support till justice is done and Saif is relieved of all charges and regains his freedom. For this we will do everything possible within the law to highlight the issue and spread the truth about Saif. Hoping for speedy resolving of this case and an end to this injustice.

Thank you everyone!

Facebook Pages:

1. Support Innocent Pakistani Saif Khan in Chile
2. Family’s Facebook Page Release Saif Facebook Page (main)

1. A Facebook page in support of Saif by Chileans Yo Creo en la Inocencia del Joven Pakistaní
2. Another Chilean group for Saif’s support  Yo Apoyo al Joven Paquistani Acusado en Chile
3. A human rights group for Saif on Facebook. Release Saif Ur-Rehman Khan
4. Friends of Saif on Facebook. Truth about Saif
5. A page by the Chileans El Paquistaní (Mohamed Saif Ur Rehman Khan)

The long wait for justice

48 days have passed and the nightmare is not yet over. An innocent person and his family are going through a period of waiting and grief that others can only understand but not possibly feel. The precious time of Saif’s life and others that is lost and still being lost can never be compensated for. Saif’s old parents who had to travel thousands of miles to reach Chile, are enduring through this long wait. They are away from their other children in Islamabad besides Saif’s 95 years old grand-mother whom they took care of. Their own health is not the best and if any harm comes to them, the responsibility will solely lie on the Chilean government. Saif’s whole case since the very start is based on presumptions and what he and his family had to go through is unacceptable.

While the investigations continue, the main party in this entire debacle has invoked “diplomatic immunity” and refused to allow anyone from their side to be questioned by the Chilean justice system. After the previous prosecutor backed down and chose not to appeal against Saif, the new prosecutor has taken charge of the case. At the height of all this, the US ambassador to Chile has been replaced and would be leaving soon.

All attempts by the opponents against innocent Saif have rightly proved futile. It is very easy for those in power to engage in libel and vilification of a person, but it is never possible to take back words that are so outrageously unjust and untrue. Those in position of authority who can go to such extents against an innocent person have no ethics and morals. They may think of themselves as civilized, but in their hate campaign against an entire community, they fall below established norms of humanity. Do these people ever think of the impact such injustices have on someone’s bright future? Definitely not! They are too blinded by the lust for more power and set agendas.

Not having fully recovered from the shock of the devastating earthquake, the Chilean nation looks at the entire case with suspicion. It is the image of the opponents that has suffered most. The amount of unwanted secrecy in the case has also hit the credibility of the opponents. The Chilean nation has not fallen for the scare tactics of the opponents and has well understood the drama that is unfolding in which innocent Saif is a victim. The over-whelming support for innocent Saif from the Chilean people is evident wherever he visits in Santiago.

The support of the Chilean nation and others around the world cannot be thanked enough. It is very sad that just based on suspicions, Saif had to go through such distress and character assassination from the opponents. We are hopeful that the case will be closed sooner rather than later as Saif is absolutely innocent. After Saif’s release twice, and the coming of proof that he did not have any chemical residues on his hands and clothes, truth has become very evident. What is remaining is a realization and a declaration from the opponent’s side of their grave injustice against innocent Saif.

Diplomatic immunity or impunity?

As societies and civilizations interacted at an international level, a need arose to reach certain agreements and codes to regulate efficient interactions of sovereign countries in each other’s territories. “The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961 and the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations of 1963 codified the modern diplomatic practices, including a practice known as “diplomatic immunity”. A myriad of countries are signatories to these treaties.

Laws are made for the human beings and not the other way round. The Constitution of the United States guarantees everyone on US soil, the following rights:

• The First Amendment rights – freedom of speech, association and assembly; freedom of the press, and freedom of religion.
• The right to equal protection under the law – protection against unlawful discrimination.
• The right to due process – fair treatment by the government whenever the loss of liberty or property is at stake.
• The right to privacy – freedom from unwarranted government intrusion into personal and private affairs.

These golden laws not only make the United States a great country where thousands of people from all corners of the world have immigrated, but also make it a strong democracy and a place where the principles of equality before the law and humanity are paramount.

There is no intention whatsoever to point fingers at anyone. The intention is to highlight an issue that has, as repeated several times, caused so much pain and tension to an innocent person and his family.

Since May 10^th 2010, there has been considerable hype around a case of an innocent Pakistani citizen who was arrested in Chile based on false accusations. Besides a major development regarding the proving of the fact that there were no traces of any explosive substance on Saif’s hands, skin and clothes, the investigations continue without any conclusive result. During this period, many “bold claims” and accusations were made against innocent Saif Khan and a vile propaganda campaign was launched.

To complicate the matters at this juncture, a crucial facet of the investigation remains inconclusive due to the invoking of “diplomatic immunity”. The officials of the company Inter-Con Security Systems responsible for security at the US embassy in Chile gave no details of what happened on May 10^th.  In addition, Mr. Bill Whitaker (a consular) who had initially called Saif Khan to the US embassy Santiago, handled his educational documents, locked him in a room, was instrumental in his arrest on May 10^th 2010. Mr. Whitaker has not testified before the prosecution due to the invoking of diplomatic immunity. It is still not clear why Mr. Whitaker called Khan to the embassy in the first place and that too in such an unprofessional way. This immunity has been invoked probably according to Article 24. Article 29 of the Vienna Convention (1961) states that:

“The person of a diplomatic agent shall be inviolable. He shall not be liable to any form of arrest or detention. The receiving State shall treat him with due respect and shall take all appropriate steps to prevent any attack on his person, freedom or dignity.”

On the other hand, the Vienna Convention is also explicit that:

“Without prejudice to their privileges and immunities, it is the duty of all persons enjoying such privileges and immunities to respect the laws and regulations of the receiving State.” (Diplomatic Immunity)

What justice can be done when there is no cooperation from an important stakeholder in the entire scenario? While everything about innocent Saif Khan’s spotless life is open to the media, since the very first day, the case has been run in secrecy by the opponents. Instead, what were made public were false stories reflective of paranoia and lack of maturity from the opponents. The Chilean Senator Alejandro Navarro recently criticized the decision of the embassy, and said that there is “something strange” behind this order.

It is a universal truth that moral standing is far above any diplomatic immunity, and no such thing should be used to destroy the life an innocent person. The universal values of truth, freedom and equality on which United States stands on are far greater than any such practices and immunities. Justice must prevail and for that there ought to be a realization that an injustice has been committed against an innocent person. Nothing about how Saif Khan was called to the US embassy Santiago and the way he was treated inside was appropriate. From the opponents side, there are more unanswered questions than any clear answers. Saif Khan is absolutely innocent, law-abiding, peaceful, honest and truthful gentleman. It is very unfortunate and unacceptable that Saif’s image has maligned and he has to go through all this terrible nightmare. No one is saying that a particular country or its embassy is to be blamed. However, the very fact that Saif Khan, a Pakistani national, was called to the US embassy in Chile is absurd and beyond understanding.

Acceptance of a mistake or misunderstanding does not make a country’s stature lower in the eyes of the world. On the contrary, a realization only raises the dignity, respect and international image. The unfortunate incident that has affected Saif Khan and his family negatively can only be rectified with a realization from the opponent’s side that an error has been made.

On Friday June 25^th, the Chilean PPD Deputy Felipe Harboe in Santiago stressed the need for thorough investigations and that “our justice must conclusively state the facts, because here there have been many doubts“. PPD Deputy Felipe Harboe also said “I hope justice have all the background.” The deputy noted that “the more people who declare and more data are taken into the cause, the greater the accuracy to establish in courts of justice.”

One fact is very evident from the whole scenario, truth always prevails and the innocence of Saif is being witnessed by millions of people who are aware of this case.

Ridiculous propaganda again!

Since the unfortunate day of May 10^th, the baseless and vile offensive against innocent Saif Khan continues. From his detention without any charges or proof, to the continuous lies against him, there seems to be a deliberate attempt as part of their paranoia to implicate an innocent person based on conspiracy theories. The opponents must understand that they just cannot continue with their hate campaign against a person of a particular religion and nationality. This vile campaign only damages the credibility of the opponents.

The Interior Minister Rodrigo Hinzpeter must make up his mind and stop confusing and belittling the Chilean nation. Sometimes, there is an attempt to link Saif with illicit groups outside Chile. Then, new irresponsible statements emerge linking Saif with a certain group inside Chile.

Such acts are not worthy of the stature of an Interior Minister. To make the matters complicated and confusing, everything is kept secret. This vile propaganda campaign resonates with the same scare tactics used elsewhere in the world to subdue an innocent person and his peace loving well wishers. Let there be no mistake that Saif Khan, his family, friends, and the Chilean nation stand strong and reject in the strongest words these new lies.

Over the past days, a number of accusations were laid against innocent Saif one after another. These accusations which have been countered on this blog and elsewhere.

• Innocent Saif’s pictures were circulated in media trying to give a wrong impression about a picnic as something of a “terrorist training”. Mr. Hinzpeter himself talked about these pictures trying to give a wrong impression, although this matter has been clarified at length. Not only is this vile propaganda despicable, but also a shameful act that deserves the highest condemnation. Chilean people are not naive not to understand the reality about innocent Saif Khan.
• In reference to the latest accusation regarding some links, the truth is that the minister himself needs to give an explanation of why he is trying to invent new illicit links? What is he gaining out of all this drama and persecution? Who is he loyal to – the Chilean people or someone outside Chile?
• Mr. Hizpeter also said that there needs to be an explanation of how the chemicals reached Saifs documents. We categorically state that it is the prosecutors who must explain who put those chemicals on Saif”s documents. The investigations have clearly revealed that Saif did not have any traces of explosive substance on his hands, skin and clothes. How then would they reach his documents and cell phone? They were obviously put on the documents and cell phone by someone else.

Gripped by paranoia

Why are the opponents trying to confuse people? Why is a universal principle forgotten – one is innocent until proven guilty. It is not the defense’s job to investigate the reasons for this alleged substance. The truth of the matter is that till now the opponents have absolutely failed to clarify the reasons for the existence of alleged residues and declare him guilty. Moreover they seem to be so helpless in obtaining the testimonies of all the suspected parties in the case.

Being cognizant of the need of a peaceful society, in light of the latest accusations it seems that there is an attempt to create a terrorism phobia in Chile. Every passing day, only shakes the weak credibility of the opponents.

Mr. Hinzpeter’s personal interest in this particular case and indulgence in details is amazing. He should let the prosecutors do their job. Instead of hatching conspiracy theories against Saif Khan in media, attention needs to be paid to point the investigations in the right direction and gain meaningful results.



Mano a Mano con el senador Alejandro Navarro – 24horas.cl

Chilean Senator Alejandro Navarro speaks about Pakistan and innocent Saif ur Rehman, in a popular TV program “Mano a Mano” on TVN 24 Horas. (Spanish)

English Translation

(0:58 the introduction is about a mining royalty)

J: Senator welcome, but. Before starting talking about all these topics, there is one in particular that is in my head turning and turning but I can´t completely understand it; and many people asked to me about this, and also with a sense of duty, this youngster Saif ur Rehman, this Pakistani youngster that is now in our country and his case that became in a suspense and international intrigue novel that makes me remember a novel called “midnight express” that a movie was also made. I almost have a feeling that we are experimenting the same. What are the backgrounds that you have? What is really happening beneath all? What explains this entirely unique situation that is happening in the justice courts!?

Senator Navarro: Alejandro, thank you for your invitation. Saif is calm with his family. His parents traveled from Islamabad to Santiago, they have
spend here almost two weeks. He is free now, the interior ministry has appealed twice, but he is free. So there is insufficient evidence to convince the court that he is a hazard to the society. If I can put this in these words, he came to Chile invited by the Chilean government. It was Catalina Alliende, the Chilean consul in Islamabad who adviced him to come to Chile, who gave him the visa, who looked for a place to study for him, who looked for a job for him, so she was a
fundamental pillar. His family knows her since 16 years ago, knows him and his brother, so here happened something that it must be solved in the sake of the transparency with which the government departments must operate, but also for the decisive action, not incriminatory, of the state and the media, because he has been criminalized, and what I asked for is for him to be investigated, because I contacted him when the anti-terrorism law was applied to him, because I thought about: Elena Varela, 2 years in prison now she is free without any charge, Jaime Huenchullan, temucuycuy leader, 1 year and a half in prison now
free without any charge, this two cases because of the anti-terrorism law. And with saif, this law was applied to him in the very beginning
and I think that this law does not allow a proper defense of his rights.

J: and automatically he receives a different treatment in the court?

Senator Navarro: well, there are “no face” witnesses, lack of access to brief procedures, yet these two hearings have been secret, so myself and his
family we set an agreement. They are calm, waiting for the prosecutor to present all the evidences that he has, there are 120 days, his family and his father that is also a medical doctor are going to stay until saif remains completely free, sacrifying his job in Islamabad, because this case has also brought a strong debate in Pakistani politics. I am the president of a Pakistani-Chilean friendship team, and the senators of Pakistan are very worried because they feel discrimination. Because if we accept that being a Muslim is being a terrorist than we are walking on a very complex path. We want him to be investigated, the prosecutor to investigate but we don’t want that they called him guilty in a rush.

J: But there are something else, I have a feeling, just a feeling that maybe a political intrigue beneath that escapes from this youngster in particular. He appears to be a piece in all this scenario that is trying to create a positive feeling about some kind of politics.

Senator Navarro: Alejandro, I am sure that this is a set up, because the company that caught him is a private security company, whose backgrounds are
not known for us inside the USA Embassy. We asked them to present the evidence about him being caught, videos, anything, but they don’t have it because he was isolated, nothing of that happens. So I feel that the US politics about terrorism, that is spread worldwide, has some behavior patterns. And here, they “detect” one of this patterns, and they acted like they use to act with known terrorists, and Saif fulfill this “pattern” since all this issue started that led
him to this. Once I saw footage from US tv of police officers coming out of a Pakistani terrorist house with white suits and everything, and then I saw the same footage in Chilean tv, so people think “there are bombs”. I feel that this state of alert has injured him! I want this to be investigated, and I think that all this started outside the Chilean borders. We asked to be investigated if the CIA or the FBI are here in Chile investigating terrorism issues, and if that is the
situation, I want to know as senator and as citizen. This is a question that is still not answered.

J: What is the role played by the Chilean Interior Ministry when they present some evidence that is not permissible in any place. They accused him of attending some mosque;; I never knew that it was a crime and it is not. He is accused of meeting some people, but not one of them has charges that are not even investigated before by the Chilean justice system. So how could that be a crime when the Chilean justice never accused one of them?

Senator Navarro: Alejandro, look, Pakistan is a country with 170 million population. 97% of this population are Muslims and this situation created a deep
resentment because is well known that the evidence is extremely weak, so here we have a presumption that I think that is nothing but discrimination. We told Minister Hinzpeter, if you have evidence, present it and investigate him. This is because I also want to fight against terrorism, but the way the US fights against terrorism is a wrong way. They fooled the whole world, in Iraq, they fooled all humanity. They fooled the UN. At least they did not fool ex-president Lagos,
because all talk about weapons of mass destruction is a lie. So in this prosecution politics, intelligence organizations, they overreact trying to create scenarios or trying to anticipate certain scenarios. I hope that the interior ministry acts with responsibility, to present all the evidence and to investigate deeply. Until now, I am sure that saif has nothing to do with all these.

J: In the congress/Senate you don’t have a feeling that the interior ministry may be connected with international intelligence services because of something that we don’t know?

Senator Navarro: What we formally have is the ANI (National Intelligence Agency) and we hope them to perform “intelligence” because in the past they never
did it. And if there is information, this must be channeled, so that it can determined that the information is confidential, that is possible, the ministry can act in a defensive way, but in one minute, this must be solved, because later we can have a kind of psychosis. I want to tell you that the Muslim community is also hurt and felt attacked because the main issue in saif´s detention is still his Muslim condition. There is no other fact most concrete than the fact that he is a Muslim. I want in the sake of diplomatic relationships, and in the sake of a good coexistence in Chile, political and religious, that this case must be investigates and if is necessary, that the case must be processed or they must ask forgiveness. But something must be made. This must be solved, investigated and we don’t want to prejudge.

Investigations continue

In a latest development, the new Public Prosecutor, Alejandro Pena (replaced by Xavier Armendariz ), this week took over the investigation of the case. They are further investigating the already spotless background of innocent Saif ur Rehman Khan. Meanwhile, according to press reports, Saif Khan’s public defender Gabriel Carrion expressed hope in the autonomy of the Public Ministry and highlighted the decision of the Santiago Appeals Court, which upheld the freedom to his client.

Saif Khan’s family is confident that this case will be resolved sooner than later and that truth will prevail. We are hopeful that all false accusations against Saif Khan will be dropped and that he will be able to live a normal life. Saif Khan already has a clean past and his absolute innocence is evident from all his records and this is well testified by his family, friends and well wishers. The accusations against Saif Khan are already so weak that the whole Chilean nation stands by the side of truth and justice and believes in his innocence.

Pakistan waits for you Saif!

Saif Khan went to Chile to enhance his educational career in tourism and hospitality, but now the Pakistani nation anxiously waits for his return with dignity and respect. No power on earth can defame Saif as he is absolutely innocent. The delay in justice by the opponents even after a realization of truth of Saif’s innocence by the prosecutors is nothing short of a denial of justice. Instead of following the universal principle of innocent until proven, the opponents seem to be engaged in a negative discriminatory behavior.

This whole debacle has although caused Saif Khan, his entire family, and his well wishers grief and sorrow, but it has done nothing to shake his resolve and the confidence of millions of Pakistanis and peace loving people around the world. Instead of serving any meaningful purpose, this whole drama is wasting everyone’s time. In fact it has only made a joke of the opponents in the case.  It just shows how blinded can some people become in discriminating against Saif Khan as a Pakistani and Muslim.

The opponents tried their best to fabricate lies against Saif Khan and hold him accountable for something that he has not done. Saif will return to his homeland Pakistan soon and this nightmare would end in-sha-Allah (God willing).

Earlier, Mushahid Hussain Sayed, a prominent politician from Pakistan expressed his support for Saif-ur Rehman Khan. Mr. Mushahid Hussain Sayed has been a Senator and Chairman, Foreign Relations Committee of the Senate. PML President Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain and General Secretary Mushahid Hussain Syed met with the brother of Saif-ur-Rehman in Islamabad on Tuesday and assured of their full support in raising the matter further at the diplomatic level and ensuring that all false charges are dropped against Saif in Chile. Mushahid Hussain Sayed strongly condemned the general environment of harassment against Muslims, Pakistanis in particular, especially Saif who had left for the noble purpose of studying abroad.

Saif’s family and the Pakistani nation thank the tremendous and consistent support from the Chilean Senator Navarro, and the love and trust of the Chilean people in this regard. The overwhelming support from the Chileans for siding with truth and justice is commendable.

Live with Talat – Aaj TV program

Saif Khan’s interview with Radio Chile ADN 91.7

On June 9th, 2010 Saif Khan gave an exclusive interview to Radio Chile ADN 91.7.

Joven Paquistaní: ”No tengo relación con gente extraña”Mediodia en ADN | Junio 9 de 2010

(http://www.adnradio.cl/oir.aspx?id=1310410)

“I will regain my honor and my dignity” iA

Saif Khan gave interviews to major news networks.

Interview with CNN Chile

Interview with TVN

Court upholds freedom of Saif

The courage to stand up for truth. Truth always prevails!

All praises for God!

Against the appeal of the Minister of Interior Rodrigo Hinzpeter, the Eighth Chamber of the Santiago Appeals Court upheld the decision of the Fourth Court of guarantee which earlier granted freedom to Muhammad Saif Ur Rehman Khan. This is indeed a victory of justice and truth in Chile. Even though the opponents exerted pressure against Saif’s freedom, the courts upheld the values of truth, impartiality and justice.

It is worth mentioning that all along, the prosecutors insisted that Saif is a “danger to society” and that he must not be allowed to be free. It is wholly evident that the opponents were not on the side of truth and were for some reason that only they know, engaging in grave injustice. Why would anyone go to that extent to ensure that an innocent person is put behind bars without any proof and only based on presumptions?

What did the opponents gain from this whole drama? No one can comprehend the pain and anguish Saif Khan and his family have experienced since almost one month. Not only the immediate family but all the members in the distant family and friends have been through a nightmare.

The prosecutors in absence of any further baseless accusations made a sane decision and chose not to appeal yesterday. On the other hand, the Interior Ministry appealed against Saif Khan’s freedom even becoming a party to the case.

The secrecy and cover-ups

Why would anyone keep things in secret? In our understanding, only someone who lies and feels guilty would hide things. Saif Khan and his family have nothing to hide and have always wanted the proceedings to be open in front of public. Saif Khan is absolutely innocent and his whole life is an open book. It is beyond understanding why the prosecution and others were trying to hide things by keeping the case proceedings secret. With all the character assassination, the opponents only succeeded in making a mockery of themselves and engaging in activities that are below their stature. It surely does not suit the interior minister of any country to become a party in a case.

What now?

The effect of this one month ordeal has had a deep impact on Saif Khan and his family, mentally and physically. Saif Khan’s old parents are sitting thousands of miles away from their homeland and this non-sense must end immediately. We want the justice system to act now and move towards dropping all baseless charges that the opponents have been crafting against Saif Khan without any valid and logical reasons. No more time can be given to the opponents to manufacture more baseless accusations to mislead and waste the time of the honorable courts again.

Mockery of Justice

An appeal has been made against Saif by the Interior Ministry. Not only are the opponents engaging in discrimination and slander against an innocent person, but also denting Chile’s international image. Chile is likely to be known as a place whose government mistreats individuals of a particular religion and nationality. In contrast with what the government is doing, the great people of Chile have stood by Saif and his family.

An innocent person is wrongly accused and put behind bars simply based on presumptions. Saif is innocent and there is nothing against him. By creating new stories and being paranoid, the opponents are making a mockery of justice.

It has been proven that there was no chemical residue on Saif’s hands. We ask people with intellect, how then can the alleged chemical residue come on the documents and the cell phone? The answer is very obvious.

The Ministry of Interior on Saturday appealed to the Court of Appeals of Santiago against Saif. Many things have become quite obvious and Saif’s innocence is manifest. The prosecutors have realized the truth about Saif’s innocence and till now seem to be backing off and trying to save their image from further deterioration.

Since there is no tangible and solid proof against Saif, now the opponents are trying to find “alternatives” or a “short trial”. No alternatives would be acceptable as Saif is absolutely innocent. Saif’s family do not accept the baseless charges against him and would persevere until Saif is declared innocent and regains his respect that the prosecutors and the opponents have stolen. The family of Saif do not accept any ridiculous argument!

Saif and his family stand strong in the face of this injustice. We are on the side of truth and lies never stand long. Saif’s family and friends appeal to the human rights organizations both in Chile and internationally to ensure that Saif not wrongly accused.

Defamation Campaign against Saif

What is happening against Saif is open discrimination based on his religion and nationality. All of Saif’s life is an open book and nothing is hidden from anyone. It is amazing that opponents come out with baseless accusations one after another with such audacity and shamelessness. There is no doubt that the opponents are making a fool of themselves by engaging in such negative behavior and denting Chile’s beautiful image in the international community. This is a matter of human rights. Enough time of Saif’s precious life has already been wasted, and his health and the health of his old parents are being adversely affected. All Saif and his family want is a normal life which is the right of every human being.

The family asks, is this how a guest in Chile is treated by the authorities? We thank the Chilean nation who have spoken against this injustice. Surely the hospitality, love for justice, truth and resistance against oppression is what makes the Chilean nation unique.

The opponents are doing character assassination and Saif’s privacy and the privacy of his family have been compromised due to whole issue. The smear campaign against Saif has made him famous for all the wrong reasons. However, this whole case has not shaken the resolve of Saif and his family and friends. We firmly believe that sooner or later, truth always prevails.

Keeping in view, how the opponents are continuing with their lies, Saif’s family and friends believe that the kinds of accusations are simply because there is discrimination against him. This is humiliation and open discrimination against a Pakistani and a Muslim which is not acceptable under international law and in any civilized democratic society. Saif is entitled to the respect that any law-abiding innocent citizen of any country deserves.

04 June, 2010 – Family and friends statement for the Press

Saif with his parents

An innocent young man is with his parents again. The family is happy to be taking good care of him after all he has suffered. Saif’s health has deteriorated but he is recovering. We expect the prayers of everyone. We also hope that justice and truth prevail.