Military courts in Pakistan sentenced 25 civilians to rigorous imprisonment for their alleged role in the May 2023 riots, amid ongoing Supreme Court deliberations on military trials for civilians.
Military courts in Pakistan have sentenced 25 civilians to 2-10 years in prison for their alleged role in May 2023 riots and attacks on army sites, the military stated on Saturday.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) reported that the sentences were issued following a Supreme Court decision allowing military courts to proceed with trials, pending a final ruling.
The Field General Court Martial examined evidence and upheld legal rights during the trials. The convicts, mainly PTI supporters, retain appeal rights under the law.
Since May 2023, 85 civilians have been in military custody over the May 9 unrest linked to ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan’s arrest on corruption charges.
Sentences for other detainees will be announced after due process. In October, the Supreme Court deemed military trials for civilians unconstitutional, but the decision was conditionally suspended in December.
Previously, military courts operated from 2015 to 2019, convicting 641 individuals, including 56 executions, per the International Commission of Jurists.
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