Mike Johanns Praises Slain Benazir Bhutto's Courage, Says Perpetrators Must be Brought to Justice

Press Release

U.S. Senate candidate Mike Johanns, a former Cabinet secretary and former Nebraska Governor, issued the following statement about the assassination of former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto:

Benazir Bhutto's murder was a cowardly act of terrorism and is an attack on democracy and the democratic process. The perpetrators of this assassination must be brought to justice.

Benazir Bhutto demonstrated incredible courage by her willingness to return to Pakistan from exile and lead the opposition in next month's parliamentary elections. She knew her very public leadership role was placing herself at great personal risk.

The United States must continue to support pro-democracy leaders in Pakistan who will help guide that nation on a course toward greater freedom and long-term stability and prosperity. Pakistan has been a strong ally in the War on Terror and it is in our national interest to support continued democratic reforms there including free elections.

Finally, this tragedy once again reminds us that radical extremism does not respect human life nor the institutions of democracy. Every day brave American men and women are fighting this War on Terror in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere around the world. We must continue to support them in their mission.

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