India demands Pakistan release accused ‘spy’ after world court ruling

NEW DELHI AFP July18, 2019-India on Thursday demanded that Pakistan release an alleged spy after the International Court of Justice called for a review of a death sentence against him.   

The arch-rivals each declared victory after the world court ruling made late Wednesday. But with 49-year-old Kulbhushan Jadhav still held in secret, his case risked setting off new tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbours.   

India’s Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said Jadhav, a former navy officer, “is in the illegal custody of Pakistan under fabricated charges” as he welcomed the court ruling.   
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi said late Wednesday that “truth and justice have prevailed” with the ruling.   

 Imran Khan hit back through his Twitter account.   

 “Appreciate ICJ’s decision not to acquit, release and return Commander Kulbhushan Jadhav to India,” Khan said.   

 “He is guilty of crimes against the people of Pakistan. Pakistan shall proceed further as per law,” Khan added.   

Pakistan’s foreign ministry said the incident is a “clear case of Indian state terrorism”.