Pakistan Ex-President Musharraf Will Be Put on Trial for Treason

Former military chief could face the death penalty if convicted

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B.K. Bangash / AP

Pakistan's former President and military ruler Pervez Musharraf arrives under tight security to address his party supporters at his house in Islamabad on April 15, 2013

Pakistan’s government will request the Supreme Court to try former President Pervez Musharraf for treason, the Interior Minister said on Sunday.

Government officials are accusing Musharraf of treason for declaring a state of emergency and suspending the constitution while he was in power, the Associated Press reports. Musharraf rose to power after a 1999 military coup, one of three in Pakistan’s 66 years of existence, and ruled the country until he was ousted in 2008.

Musharraf returned to Pakistan in March and has since faced legal battles over a murder charge in connection with the assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, a Baluchi rebel tribal leader killed by the army, the death of a radical cleric leader and attempts to fire senior judiciary members five years ago. Musharraf was just released from house arrest after authorities granted him bail.

[AP]