Restrictions on Pakistani chief justice eased; 15 police officers fired

ISLAMABAD, Saturday, (AP) - Authorities eased restrictions on Pakistan's chief justice today and sacked 15 policemen for attacking a private news channel that had criticized the government's handling of the judge's dismissal, officials said.

Pakistani President Gen. Pervez Musharraf has been facing a growing crisis since March 9 when he suspended Supreme Court Chief Justice Iftikhar Mohammed Chaudhry over unspecified allegations that he abused his authority.

The move angered lawyers, retired judges and opposition leaders who consider Musharraf's action an effort aimed at removing a strong-willed judge ahead of parliamentary and presidential elections.

On Friday, police fired tear gas, rubber bullets and swung batons to stop Chaudhry supporters from reaching the Supreme Court, where he was to appear before a panel of five judges hearing his case.

As Geo television broadcast clashes near the court, uniformed police and plainclothes officers entered its offices, kicking down doors and wrecking property. The channel already had one of its most popular news shows pulled off air on Thursday -- apparently for its coverage of the legal crisis. Musharraf in an unusual step apologized personally for the incident. An initial probe also has resulted in the sacking of 15 police officers, a senior official said today.

Meanwhile, police today removed barricades on a road leading to Chaudhry's home where he has been under house arrest for a week. Officials also said he was free to leave his home, although Chaudhry's lawyers could not be reached to verify this.

The move follows the legal panel's request that restrictions on Chaudhry be lifted. Chaudhry was summoned by Musharraf on March 9 and informed about the unspecified allegations against him, Chaudhry's lawyers have said. Musharraf has appointed justice Javed Iqbal as the acting chief justice. With parliamentary elections due within a year, the move to replace Chaudhry is particularly sensitive. Musharraf will seek re-election from the outgoing assembly, and has given no indication that he would give up his post as chief of the army. His stance is likely to draw complaints to the Supreme Court.