PHC releases three Russians

PESHAWAR- Peshawar High Court Thursday ordered the handing over of three Russian Muslims, former military officers, to World Prisoner Relief Commission for onward deportation to their country.

Peshawar High Court’s two judges bench was hearing petition of Abdur Rasheed, a former Major General of Russian Army, and two others who have requesting for deportation to their country.

The then Russian army Major General Abdur Rasheed, Brigadier Rustam and Colonel Marrat stated to have embraced Islam during Afghan war and join hands with Osma.

Major General Abdur Rasheed, Brigadier Rustam and Colonel Marrat were arrested on July 17, 2007 in Rawalpindi for staying in Pakistan without documents, the three pleaded guilty before a judicial magistrate in Rawalpindi on 27 August 2008 and were sentenced to already undergone and fine of rupees 5000 each person. After conviction, the three Russian nationals were shifted to Peshawar Prison in September 2008 from Adayala jail Rawalpindi.