ISLAMABAD — Pakistan’s Supreme Court formally charged embattled Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani with contempt Monday, as his party and coalition in Parliament rallied behind him.
Gilani, who pleaded not guilty, has steadfastly defied court orders to reopen old corruption cases against Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari. If convicted, Gilani would face six months in jail and possible removal from office.
The trial, scheduled for Feb. 22, could take several weeks, continuing the crisis atmosphere that has gripped the capital as the showdown between the government and judiciary has escalated. Gilani maintains that the constitution grants Zardari immunity from prosecution.
The court says the rule of law cannot be compromised by allowing the prime minister to flout the court’s orders.
The Associated Press
