Police refuses to lodge case against US columnist

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad police have reportedly refused to lodge a case against American columnist Cynthia D. Ritchie who resides in Pakistan.

A hearing was conducted by Session Judge Zeba Chaudhry in response to a petition filed by a citizen for leveling allegations against former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. In the petition, the plaintiff had requested the court to order police to register the case against Cynthia D. Ritchie for imposing false accusations.

The police took the stance that Ritchie used social media as a platform which makes the matter fall under the jurisdiction of the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA).

In response, the petitioner’s lawyer argued that Islamabad police hold the authority to file a case against the US citizen but not doing so. Following the hearing arguments, the court adjourned hearing till 17th June.

Earlier, Cynthia D. Ritchie wrote on Twitter that PPP member Sherry Rehman has blocked her on social media, “I want to thank all the supporters: those who are helping in this fight, those who are providing information, etc.  including the PPP supporters who want to see a change in the system! However, I am disappointed Sherry Rehman has now blocked me on twitter.”

I want to thank all the supporters: those who are helping in this fight, those who are providing information, etc. – including the PPP supporters who want to see change in the system!

However, I am disappointed @SherryRehman has now blocked me on twitter….

— Cynthia D. Ritchie (@CynthiaDRitchie) June 11, 2020

Cynthia D. Ritchie had become the centre of attention since she had posted critical remarks in her tweet about late Benazir Bhutto and her husband Asif Ali Zardari.