LAHORE: Two US human rights activists, who had sought the release of Aitzaz Ahsan, were arrested here on Tuesday, officials and a witness said.

Police travelling in two cars picked up Medea Benjamin and Tighe Barry near the Holiday Inn hotel, said Amir Sohail, joint secretary of the Punjab Union of Journalists, who was with the two Americans at that time.

Elizabeth Colton, press attache at the US Embassy in Islamabad, confirmed the arrests. She said the two had contacted the US mission in Lahore by phone, and that it was giving consular assistance.

A police official, who requested anonymity, said the arrest order came from “higher-ups.” Later, Medea Benjamin and Tighe Barry were released.
Source: The News
Date:12/5/2007