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Was a 9-Month-old Boy Really Charged with Attempted Murder in Pakistan?

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The following is a guest post by Shameema Rahman, senior legal research specialist in our Public Services Division.

Getting them into line for 1884, Courtesy of the Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress.
Getting them into line for 1884, Courtesy of the Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress.

You may have heard about an incredible article with the headline, “9-month-old boy on the run after attempted murder charge in Pakistan” that appeared in the Washington Times on April 8th. Several news outlets, including CNN News,  have subsequently clarified the initial report by reference to the Pakistan Code.

It turns out the charge was issued in error by the Karala Police Department.  The Penal Code of Pakistan, Act. No. XLV of 1860, Chapter IV, Section 82, clearly states, “Nothing is an offense which is done by a child under seven years of age.” According to USA TODAYthe police officer has been suspended and an investigation has been ordered by the Chief Minister of Punjab.

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