Two Sentenced To Death In Pakistan For High-Profile Murder

Shahrukh Jatoi (right) gestures while his accomplice Siraj Talpur looks on from a court lockup before being convicted for murder in the Pakistani port city of Karachi on June 7.

A court in Pakistan has sentenced two people, including the son of a powerful businessman, to death for murder in a case that prompted widespread public outrage.

The court in Karachi imposed the sentence on June 7 on Shahrukh Jatoi, whose father reportedly has close ties to President Asif Ali Zardari, and accomplice Siraj Talpur.

They were convicted for the killing of the son of a police officer in Karachi in December.

Jatoi's family apparently tried to prevent the authorities from registering the case as a murder initially.

However, the Supreme Court ordered an investigation following public protests and a social-media campaign.

Two other accomplices were given life sentences.

All four denied the charges and will appeal.

Pakistan has hundreds of people on death row, but no civilians have been executed in recent years.

Based on reporting by AFP, AP, and RFE/RL's Radio Mashaal