Pakistan, December 24: A Pakistani military court sentenced 25 civilians to periods ranging from two to 10 years of “rigorous imprisonment”.
The sentences have been given in connection with attacks on military facilities in 2023, the armed forces’ media wing said on Saturday.
The ruling underscores concerns among supporters of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan that military courts are going to play a bigger role in cases involving the 72-year-old, who is facing multiple charges, including allegedly inciting attacks against the armed forces, PTI reported.
Thousands of Khan supporters stormed military installations and torched a general’s house on May 9, 2023 to protest against the former premier’s arrest by paramilitary soldiers. At least eight people were killed in the violence.
The military’s Inter-Services Public Relations office said the sentences handed down on Saturday were an “important milestone in dispensation of justice to the nation”. But not everyone agrees.
The US expresses concern
Expressing concern over the sentencing of 25 civilians by a military court in Pakistan, the United States on Monday said that it lacked judicial independence, transparency and due process guarantees.
“The United States is deeply concerned that Pakistani civilians have been sentenced by a military tribunal for their involvement in protests on May 9, 2023. These military courts lack judicial independence, transparency, and due process guarantees,” State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said.
Summary: Pakistan’s military court sentences 25 civilians over violence following Imran Khan’s arrest, raising concerns in the US regarding due process and human rights.