Release of man charged in Daniel Pearl killing ordered

KARACHI, PAKISTAN » A provincial court in Pakistan on Thursday ordered the release of a British-born Pakistaniman charged inthe 2002murder of American journalist Daniel Pearl.

The Sindh High Court’s release order overturns government detention orders that Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh, the key suspect in Pearl’s slaying, should remain in custody. Sheikh was acquitted earlier this year of murdering Pearl, but has been held while Pearl’s family appeals the acquittal.

“The detention order is struck down,” said Faisal Siddiqi, the family’s lawyer. He said Sheikh would be freed until the appeal is completed, but would return to prison if the family is successful in overturning the acquittal.