Pakistani court grants former PM Imran Khan bail

(12 May 2023) RESTRICTION SUMMARY: ASSOCIATED PRESS Islamabad, Pakistan - 12 May 2023 1. Various of Pakistan's former Prime Minister Imran Khan coming out of courtroom with tight security, lawyers, media around STORYLINE: A high court in Islamabad has granted former Prime Minister Imran Khan a two-week reprieve from arrest in a graft case and granted him bail on the charge. Babar Awan, a lawyer for Khan, says the court made the decision on Friday, a day after the country’s Supreme Court asked it for a ruling. He says Khan is now “a free man,” and that the decision was just. The ruling came after Khan returned to court to hear whether he will be shielded from renewed arrest or taken back into custody — a decision that put the government and legions of Khan supporters on edge after days of violent confrontations. The government has vowed it will find a way to take Khan back into custody, a move that would likely cause a resurgence of riots and mob attacks. The government contends that Khan’s release rewards and encourages mob violence. After he was arrested Tuesday, his supporters attacked military installations, burned vehicles, and ambulances and looted general stores in various parts of the country. The government responded with a crackdown, arresting nearly 3,000 people. The violence left at least 10 Khan supporters dead. Dozens of protesters and more than 200 police officers were injured. AP video shot by Muhammad Yousaf =========================================================== Clients are reminded to adhere to all listed restrictions and to check the terms of their licence agreements. For further assistance, please contact the AP Archive on: Tel +44(0)2074827482 Email: info@aparchive.com. Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork Twitter: https://twitter.com/AP_Archive Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/APArchives ​​ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/APNews/ You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/youtube/628474390e4c42119bffe1bbdbb9528d