EU voices concern over military court sentences for May 9 rioters

WEB DESK: The European Union (EU) has raised concerns over the military court’s sentencing of 25 individuals involved in the May 9, 2023, attacks on state installations, calling the verdicts inconsistent with Pakistan’s obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).

The EU highlighted the right to a fair and public trial, as outlined in Article 14 of the ICCPR, which ensures impartiality, independence, and adequate legal representation.

The GSP+ requires all, including the ICCPR, and for that matter, says the EU also includes, “the reminder for Pakistan about its promise under the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+): that it will comply with all 27 conventions which include the ICCPR, failing which it will lose its trade benefits with the European Union.”

The sentences, ranging from 2 to 10 years, were issued by military courts a day after the conviction of 25 people in the state-run military trial listening to the violence cases. They were related to protests against the arrest of PTI’s leader Imran Khan. The ISPR confirmed the sentences and stated the other judgments were awaited. Convicts have been given the freedom to appeal in the Constitution.

PTI has also disassociated the attacks, including that on the General Headquarters (GHQ), and has called for some “judicial proceedings into events.” The military’s media wing announced the May 9 event to be politically orchestrated and, hence, necessitated the fight against political terrorism and violence.

Read More: pakistan/military-courts-announce-verdict-in-may-9-cases/