ISLAMABAD (AP) - A pro-Taliban cleric detained since a bloody assault in 2007 on his radical Red Mosque in the Pakistani capital has been released on bail and is vowing to lead a peaceful campaign for Islamic law in the country.
Hundreds of supporters greeted Maulana Abdul Aziz as he was freed late Thursday from house arrest.
The cleric said he intended to lead prayers Friday at the mosque in Islamabad.
“God willing, the day is not far away when Islam will be enforced in the whole of Pakistan,” Aziz said. “Our struggle has always been peaceful, and we will continue this struggle for the enforcement of Islamic laws in the country.”
The Red Mosque siege was a turning point in Pakistan’s slide into religious extremism and violence.
Security forces stormed the complex days after scores of heavily armed militants inside refused to surrender. The government says 102 people, including 11 security personnel, were killed.
Aziz was arrested as he tried to sneak out of the mosque dressed in an all-covering burqa worn by some Muslim women.
The siege triggered an increase in suicide bombings and other attacks on the government and security forces. The attacks have continued since then, alarming Pakistan’s Western allies who are concerned about the stability of the nuclear-armed state.
Aziz is facing several charges ranging from abetting terrorists to illegally occupying a building.
Pakistan has a history of failing to successfully prosecute militants, many of whom are believed to have links with the country’s armed forces.
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