The United States has expressed deep concern over the sentencing of 25 Pakistani civilians by a military tribunal for their alleged roles in the May 9, 2023, protests. The U.S. criticized the military courts for lacking judicial independence, transparency, and adherence to due process, calling on Pakistani authorities to uphold the constitutional right to a fair trial, according to press statements issued on Monday (Washington local time).
The United Kingdom also condemned the trials, stating on Monday that trying civilians in military courts “lacks transparency.” This criticism follows the military tribunal's decision to sentence members of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to prison terms ranging from two to ten years.
The May 9 protests erupted after the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan by paramilitary forces at the Islamabad High Court. The unrest, which spread nationwide, prompted a government crackdown on the PTI and its supporters.
The sentencing has drawn widespread criticism, including from the PTI, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, and the European Union, all of whom have raised concerns about the fairness and legitimacy of these trials.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan Al Jubair
