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More demonstrations on ousted judge

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan, June 2 (UPI) -- The suspended chief judge of Pakistan capped a multi-city caravan with a public speech Saturday, as thousands of people demonstrated in support.

The demonstrations were the largest since President Pervez Musharraf set off what has escalated into a major crisis, when he ousted Iftikhar Mohammed Chaudhry three months ago, The Washington Post reported.

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Chaudhry traveled in a cavalcade of cars and trucks to Abbotabad Saturday, the newspaper said. Crowds of supporters greeted him as he enetered each town.

Chaudhry has become a symbol to those who want an end to military rule.

"There is no other option left for Musharraf except to hold free and fair elections," said Farhatullah Babar of the Pakistan People's Party. "These are not rent-a-crowds. These are people who have come out on their own to demonstrate and to demand an end to military rule."

Talat Hussain, director of news and current affairs at Aaj TV, said the government has been trying to interfere with its signal in retaliation, after Aaj refused to stop airing certain programs thought to be overly critical of the government.

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