Kulbhushan forced by Pak to refuse review plea on death sentence: MEA

The External Affairs Ministry said on Wednesday (July 8) that Pakistan’s claim that Kulbhushan Jadhav refused to initiate a review petition was nothing but a “continuation of the farce” that has been in play for the last four years, and added that he was coerced into refusing to file a review petition over his death sentence.

The External Affairs Ministry also charged that Jadhav was sentenced to execution through a “farcical trial”. “He was coerced to refuse to file a review in his case,” the statement said.

Pakistan coerced Kulbushan Jadhav to forego his rights to seek implementation of judgment of International Court of Justice, the MEA mentioned.

The ministry also said India had been seeking thorough implementation of the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ’s) judgment in the Kulbhushan Jadhav issue and that Pakistan was seeking to mask its “continuing reticence to implement the ICJ judgment in letter and spirit”.

“We’ve been pursuing through diplomatic channels full and effective implementation of the ICJ judgment in the case of Kulbushan Jadhav. The media statement made by Pakistan today in the case seeks to mask its continuing reticence to implement ICJ judgment in letter and spirit,” the MEA’s statement read.

“Despite our repeated requests, Pakistan continues to deny India free and unimpeded access to Kulbushan Jadhav. India has repeatedly asked to allow a lawyer from outside Pakistan to appear for Jadhav in any review and reconsideration proceedings. Pakistan has denied it,” MEA’s statement read.

Pakistan also refused to hand over any relevant documents, including the FIR, evidence, or the court order to India, according to the ministry.

The MEA went on to say, “Clearly, Pakistan is attempting to create a mirage of compliance with ICJ judgement in Kulbushan Jadhav case.”

“India will do its utmost to protect Kulbushan Jadhav and ensure his safe return to India,” the ministry asserted.

(With inputs from agencies)