Pakistani Officials Prepared to Counter Reactions from Religious Extremists

Pakistani officials are prepared to counter reactions from religious extremists following the sentencing of four Islamic extremists for the kidnapping and murder of American journalist Daniel Pearl. A court in Pakistan today sentenced Ahmed Omar Sheikh, the leader of the plot to kidnap Mr. Pearl, to death by hanging. Three of his accomplices were sentenced to life imprisonment. Sheikh Omar issued a vehement statement claiming that those who ordered his execution would face bloody revenge. Relatives of the convicted and religious leaders in Pakistan stated that these sentences are a result of the Pakistani government's alliance with the United States. The family of Daniel Pearl stated that this is the first chapter in bringing to justice those responsible for his murder. Defense lawyers for the convicted plan to appeal the court's ruling. The British government supported the conviction of Sheikh Omar, who was born in England, but disagreed with the nature of his punishment as the British government opposes the death penalty under any circumstances.