Heavy skepticism as Pakistan's former military ruler Pervez Musharraf again fails to appear in court for trial. His convoy diverted him to the hospital during the very drive that was supposed to take him to the courthouse.
"The 70-year-old former military ruler was due in court on treason charges, but has so far failed to attend citing threats to his life and now his health." (Via Al Jazeera)
Various media reports have cited anything from heart problems to the former general suffering a mild stroke on his way to court.
Musharraf was a military general in 1999 when he seized power from Pakistan's then prime minister Nawaz Sharif, and the treason charges stem from 2007 when prosecutors say he subverted the country's constitution and imposed emergency rule over the country. (Via CNN)
Musharraf has called the charges a political vendetta by prosecutors sympathetic to Sharif. (Via Sky News)
The BBC reports courtroom squabbles from attorneys have even gone so far as to argue over the furniture in the courtroom. This is the third time Musharraf didn't appear after explosives were twice found along the route to the courthouse.
"Is this some kind of political ruse to avoid appearing in court?" "Certainly not ... These kinds of ailments can happen at anytime." (Via BBC)
If convicted, Musharraf could face life in prison or even the death penalty. Speculation is now swirling he may seek medical treatment outside the country. (Via BBC)
Musharraf's court proceedings are scheduled to resume Monday.
