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Pakistan Opposition Claims Detentions Ahead of Protests


Opposition leaders in Pakistan say police have detained at least 150 activists across the country before planned protests on Monday against the removal of the country's top judge.

Authorities give conflicting accounts of the detentions. Some local police and government officials say they detained activists to prevent further protests, while others say they know nothing about the detentions.

Pakistan has been shaken by demonstrations since President Pervez Musharraf removed Chief Justice Iftikhar Mohammed Chaudhry from office on March 9.

Mr. Musharraf says he suspended Chaudhry because of complaints that he had abused his authority. Chaudhry denies the allegations.

Lawyers and opposition parties say the president is trying to interfere with the independence of the judiciary.

Mr. Musharraf swore in senior judge Rana Bhagwandas as acting chief justice on Saturday.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP.

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