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Human Rights Activist Sarim Burney Arrested on Charges of Newborn Trafficking to US
Rights activist Sarim Burney arrested in Karachi after allegations of trafficking newborns to the US. Burney's bail plea rejected as investigation continues.
ND
by News Desk
2024-06-11
Human Rights Activist Sarim Burney Arrested on Charges of Newborn Trafficking to US

Renowned human rights activist Sarim Burney was taken into custody on June 5 upon his arrival at Jinnah International Airport in Karachi following a visit to the United States. Burney's arrest comes amidst allegations of trafficking newborn babies to the US.

 

Judicial Magistrate (East) Khaliq ul Zaman rejected Burney's bail plea after hearing arguments from both Burney's lawyer and the counsel of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). The FIA prosecutor informed the court that further evidence is being collected against Burney, with new revelations emerging during the investigation.

 

The FIR registered against Burney by the FIA accuses him of trafficking a newborn baby, identified as Haya, to the US. According to the FIA, Haya was allegedly purchased from her parents for Rs1 million. The agency claims that Burney trafficked a total of 20 newborns to the US over the past year, purportedly under the pretext of adoption, with 15 of them being girls.

 

Records of the allegedly trafficked children were reportedly provided by the Pakistan embassy, and the FIA stated that Burney's wife was listed as one of the beneficiaries in Trust documents. The parents of Haya, described as extremely poor, have had their statements recorded.

 

The FIA has indicated that further cases related to human trafficking and money laundering will be registered against Burney. The arrest and subsequent allegations have sparked widespread concern and scrutiny within Pakistan's human rights community.
Tagged:

Pakistan

FIA

HumanRights

Trafficking

SarimBurney
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