Photo: Zach Rudisin via Wikimedia Commons
The White House has called for immediate re-arrest and prosecution of Hafiz Saeed, alleged mastermind of 2008 Mumbai attacks, saying inaction on the issue will have repercussions for US-Pakistan relations.
“The United States strongly condemns the release of Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT) leader Hafiz Saeed from house arrest in Pakistan and calls for his immediate re-arrest and prosecution,” Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said.
A court in Pakistan ended detention of Saeed following which the government released him. The U.S. and India say Saeed masterminded the 2008 attacks in Mumbai, which also killed several American citizens.
The White House statement Saturday said the LeT is a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization responsible for the death of hundreds of innocent civilians in terrorist attacks, including a number of American citizens.
“Saeed himself is a notorious terrorist who stands accused of having masterminded the November 2008 Mumbai attacks that killed 166 people, including six American citizens.”
Saeed says allegations against him have not been proved.
The White House says “Saeed’s release, after Pakistan’s failure to prosecute or charge him, sends a deeply troubling message about Pakistan’s commitment to combating international terrorism and belies Pakistani claims that it will not provide sanctuary for terrorists on its soil.
“If Pakistan does not take action to lawfully detain Saeed and charge him for his crimes, its inaction will have repercussions for bilateral relations and for Pakistan’s global reputation.”
Press Secretary Sanders also noted in the statement a U.S. desire to work constructively with Pakistan.
“As President Donald J. Trump’s South Asia policy makes clear, the United States seeks a constructive relationship with Pakistan, but expects decisive action against militant and terrorist groups on Pakistani soil that are a threat to the region. The release of Saeed is a step in the wrong direction.
“The Pakistani government now has an opportunity to demonstrate its seriousness in confronting all forms of terrorism, without distinction, by arresting and charging Hafiz Saeed for his crimes,” the statement said.
