Hamza's family demands death penalty

From the archive, first published Tuesday 24th Apr 2007.

The family of Bradford schoolboy Hamza Nisar, who was shot dead in Pakistan, are calling for the death penalty if the man accused of his killing is convicted.

They have contacted the office of Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf to ask him to personally intervene in the case.

Hamza, ten, of Girlington, Bradford, was killed while leaving the family home in Mirpur with his grandfather to attend a mosque on Friday, April 13.

The schoolboy was visiting relatives on a family holiday to along with his mother, father and younger brother Ali.

A Pakistani national Sajid Nazir, believed to be 45, has been charged with Hamza's murder.

Hamza's family said police in Mirpur had told them Nazir had previously been charged with three killings over 20 years ago. He escaped lengthy incarceration or possible execution by paying blood money' to the victims' families in accordance with Islamic law.

If he is convicted of the Hamza's murder he could face death by hanging.

Taslim Sadique, Hamza's cousin, said: "We are worried we won't get justice. This man has got away with killing before, three times. We know nothing can bring Hamza back but if justice had been done the first time this would never have happened. If he gets out again, what's to stop him killing again?

"I have never been in favour of the death penalty, but this has changed my mind. If he is convicted he should be executed.

"We have contacted President Musharraf's office in Pakistan and spoken to his assistant who has pledged to look into the case."

Bradford West Labour MP Marsha Singh has written to Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett asking for her support for the family.

Hamza Nisar was one of six children. He had a younger brother, Ali, and four sisters. He attended St Philip's Primary School in Girlington.

As a mark of respect the Telegraph & Argus has opened a book of condolence.