In a disturbing turn of events, three foreign tourists – Alex Sidney from Italy, Charlie West from the UK, and Motahhareh Abbasi from Iran – have leveled accusations of assault and sexual harassment against the Punjab police. The incident unfolded on January 25 as the cyclists were traversing through Sadiqabad en route to Lahore. The tourists, accompanied by a police escort for security, claim they were targeted by a different police unit.
Cyclists’ Journey and Terrifying Encounter
International Tour Turned Nightmare
Alex Sidney initiated his cycling journey from Italy in 2022, later joined by Motahhareh in Tehran. They entered Pakistan from the Balochistan-Iran border, cycling through Balochistan and Sindh. In Karachi, Charlie West joined their expedition.
Assault in Sadiqabad
On the fateful day, as the cyclists left their Sadiqabad hotel under police escort, another police van arrived, and ASI Liaqat, a policeman, allegedly assaulted them. The aggression included verbal abuse, an attempt to snatch their camera, and physical attacks on Alex. Shockingly, when Motahhareh tried to block the police vehicle, the policeman purportedly instructed the driver to run her over. The situation escalated, with Alex jumping onto the moving police vehicle to retrieve his camera.
Police Escort’s Silence and Escalating Incidents
Disturbing Inaction
Despite having a police escort, the tourists’ pleas for intervention went unanswered, and the alleged assailant handed over the camera to another officer. Subsequently, more policemen arrived, pointing a gun at Motahhareh. Attempts to file a complaint at Ahmedpur Lamma Police Station were futile, as the officer on duty suggested seeking help from social media.
Pattern of Harassment
The cyclists claimed a series of assaults and harassment by the police since entering Punjab on January 25. Allegations include the use of vehicles and motorcycles to intimidate them, accusing them of going the wrong way. In an earlier incident in Sindh, Motahhareh was deliberately injured when a policeman abruptly stopped his motorcycle in front of her.
Persistent Sexual Harassment
Alex revealed that Motahhareh faced continuous sexual harassment from Pakistani policemen, soliciting her WhatsApp number and sending inappropriate messages. Motahhareh expressed that, regardless of the province, policemen from all three they traveled harassed her, with Punjab being the worst.
Seeking Safety without Police Escorts
Unwelcoming Police Escorts
Expressing a paradoxical sentiment, the tourists felt safer without police escorts, finding hospitality among common Pakistanis. Alex emphasized feeling secure many times in Sindh without police escorts, suggesting that the presence of police hindered rather than ensured their safety.
Uncertain Future for the Tour
Charlie West, contemplating cycling separately towards Lahore, expressed uncertainty due to the prevailing situation. Attempts to gather the police’s version in Rahim Yar Khan and Sadiqabad were met with refusal to respond from their spokesmen.
Denial from Police Sources
Sources in Rahim Yar Khan police denied the assault allegations, asserting that the police escort was present for the tourists’ security. The tourists were reported to have left the hotel in Sadiqabad, staying at a restaurant along a filling station between Sadiqabad and Rahim Yar Khan. The unfolding events call for a thorough investigation into the tourists’ allegations and an examination of the police’s role in ensuring their safety.
