Benazir Bhutto: A Modern-Day Political Prisoner

“America’s greatest contribution to the world is its concept of democracy, its concept of freedom, freedom of action, freedom of speech, and freedom of thought.” A woman named Benazir Bhutto spoke those wise words. She, herself, was a political prisoner of conscience from an early point in her life. A political prisoner by definition involves an individual who has been imprisoned for holding or advocating dissenting political views (American Heritage Dictionary). This is similar to a political prisoner of conscience- one in which is prisoned for holding political or religious beliefs not tolerated in the state in which they live (Oxford Dictionary). In October 2012, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) became the first major intergovernmental organization to approve concrete criteria for what defines a political prisoner. One of the criteria outlines the violation of basic human rights; particularly freedom of thought, conscience, and religion. St Thomas More was the first to coin the word “utopia”, meaning “an imaginary place in which the government, laws, and social conditions are perfect” (Merriam-Webster). This is the system of an ideal world, yet will never be a reality. Religious and political views vary greatly from country to country. Even within a single country, there will always be conflicting beliefs. In Catholic teachings, it is known that Jesus was among the first to be a political prisoner and was ultimately crucified. The risks run high when openly expressing political/religious views; especially in a country where democracy is not recognized. Benazir Bhutto is a prime example of the risk one takes when fighting for democracy in a Muslim sate. In her 54 years of living, Benazir Bhutto experienced severe injustice as she fought to implement democracy in Pakistan. Her case is just one of the many proving the fight between of political prisoners versus society may be too extreme to win.

Benazir Bhutto was an intelligent, progressive woman. Following in her father’s footsteps, she decided to pursue a career in politics. She sought after a higher education at Harvard University, where she graduated with honours and a Bachelor of Arts degree in comparative government. Following Harvard, Bhutto attended Oxford University to complete a course in international law and diplomacy. Her father, former premier Zulfikar Ali Bhutto led the Pakistan Peoples Party and was disliked by many Muslim fundamentalists. The PPP is a centre-left, social democratic political party, focused on bringing American democratic philosophies to Pakistan. A manifesto signed by the PPP identified the party’s ultimate goal as being the achievement of a “classless society” (egalitarian) which is believed to be attainably only through socialism. This sparked great hatred towards the party, as the majority of the country did not believe in socialist movements.

Due to their activism on their father’s behalf, Benazir and her family were arrested and imprisoned. For 18 months they had been rallying public opinion in support of their jailed father, working tirelessly in hopes that his death sentence would be abolished. Despite strong public protest, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was executed in 1979 and Benazir inherited the PPP. Even with citizens of Pakistan begging the government to investigate the charges on Bhutto, the government chose to ignore the people and eliminate him because he was a threat. It is in cases like these where a question of corruption arises. Is it just to hang someone when accusations do not have evidential backing? This is one of the many reasons the Bhutto family was determined to bring democratic ways to Pakistan- to present their people with the idea of a government they could vote for and have a say in. Bhutto’s death, however, is also a tragic example of how little influential power the people of Pakistan have over their government. They are already putting themselves at risk openly opposing the government but are more so discouraged when their actions result in no seen change.

Perhaps this is why Bhutto’s Pakistan People’s Party won local elections the following spring. When this happened, however, General Zia (current government) canceled the elections and once again sent all Bhutto family members to jail. The torture endured by Benazir during this five-year time was nothing short of horrendous. Along with her family, she was held in solitary confinement for six months in a desert prison at Sukkur. While here she was struck with the worst of the summer heat- resulting in hair loss, pealing skin, insect infestations, and sever dehydration. When she was finally relocated, Benazir had an inner ear problem that required surgery. Her mother was diagnosed with lung cancer.

Finally, enough international pressure forced General Zia to allow Benazir and her mother to leave Pakistan under medical exile. While in London for treatment, Benazir began to speak publicly against the Zia regime. Just under eleven months later, Shah Nawaz Bhutto (Benazir’s brother) was found dead in his home in France. His Afghan princess wife had murdered him with poison under Zia’s behest.

In August 17, 1988, General Zia and several of his top military commanders died in a fatal plane crash. This was the one and only chance Benazir had to make things right. She led the PPP in the 1988 elections and became the first female Prime Minister to ever be elected. During this time, Bhutto worked diligently on social and political reforms, throwing traditional Islamist politicians off their course. She focused on improving human rights and the position of women in Pakistan. She allowed for labour unions to start up again and called for freedom of the press.

Things were starting to look up in Pakistan until the president of Pakistan dismissed Benazir under charges of corruption and nepotism. The odds were against Bhutto but she persevered and managed to fight the charges. In October of 1993, she was re-elected and became prime minister once again. Not too long after, she was dismissed for the second time under accusations of corruption- this time regarding the assassination of her other brother, Mir Ghulam Murtaza Bhutto. Benazir argued that she had not participated in any doings of the sort but was never welcomed into parliament again. And on December 27, 2007, complete shock overwhelmed Pakistan as Benazir Bhutto was assassinated while appearing at an election rally.

The life of Benazir Bhutto represents the tragic reality of being a political prisoner. In any country, political prisoners are at risk. Especially in developing countries can those risks be fatal. Activists are highly targetable for openly opposing the government. Most have dreams of positive progression for the people; all are undeniably passionate and driven. They are willing to risk their lives to stand for a cause they believe in. The Catholic Church has acknowledged and supported human rights in society since the Vatican Council II. According to Pope John Paul II, the foundation of the Catholic Church “rests on the threefold cornerstones of human dignity, solidarity, and subsidiarity” (1999 Apostolic Exhortation). It is tragedies like this that allow for Catholics to make it their mission to address those in Eastern countries and attempt to intervene; to educate on the power of solidarity. Through our Church we may use our knowledge for good and guide those to God to show them that we can help one another. If we ever do try to achieve utopia, it must be through the reassurance that God is good. Human rights must also be honoured by all. If Benazir were here today, perhaps she would agree. It is only through the understanding that all should have a voice that a better tomorrow can be achieved. “All for one, one for all. United we stand, divided we fall” (Alexandre Dumas).