ISLAMABAD, Pakistan—The country’s Supreme Court ordered the release of the man convicted in 2002 of orchestrating the abduction and killing of Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl after effectively clearing him of wrongdoing in the case.
A three-judge panel on Thursday upheld a lower-court ruling that overturned terrorism and murder convictions for Omar Sheikh, who has spent more than 18 years in prison for the crimes. The judges also overturned a third conviction, for kidnapping. The court said it would explain its reasoning at a later date.
White House press secretary Jen Psaki said the U.S. is outraged by the court’s decision, which she called an “affront to terrorism victims everywhere.” Ms. Psaki, who noted that Mr. Sheikh remains in detention, called on the Pakistani government to expeditiously explore legal options, including allowing Mr. Sheikh to be sent to the U.S. for trial. “We are committed to securing justice for Daniel Pearl’s family,” she said.
Acting Attorney General Monty Wilkinson said in a statement that the Justice Department is ready to take Mr. Sheikh into custody.
Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs declined to comment Thursday.
