Court Indicts Former Pakistan Leader Pervez Musharraf in Treason Case

Contrary to all expectations, Musharraf appeared before the court today.

ByABC News
March 31, 2014, 3:10 AM
The convoy of former Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf escorted by paramilitary troops, leaves the special court in Islamabad, Pakistan, March 31, 2014.
The convoy of former Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf escorted by paramilitary troops, leaves the special court in Islamabad, Pakistan, March 31, 2014.
B.K. Bangash/AP Photo

March 31, 2014— -- A special court has indicted Pakistan’s former military ruler Pervez Musharraf for high treason for suspending the country’s constitution by imposing emergency rule in 2007, when he was the president.

Contrary to all expectations, Musharraf surprised everyone by appearing before the court today. He had failed to appear on previous hearings citing security and medical reasons.

The court had issued non-bailable arrest warrants on Musharraf if he did not appear before the court today.

A judge read five charges of treason to Musharraf, to which he pleaded not guilty.

Musharraf's attorney pleaded that he be allowed to proceed abroad to visit his ailing mother and also for his own medical treatment. Verdict on that is expected later.