US concerned over sentencing of Pakistanis by military courts

The United States said that it is concerned by the sentencing of Pakistani civilians by a military court for their involvement in the May 9 riots last year.

In a post on X, US Department of State Spokesperson Matthew Miller said Washington continued to call on Pakistani authorities to “respect” the right to a fair trial and due process.

The statement by the US comes after European Union and the United Kingdom (UK) has also reacted to sentencing.

In a statement issued, an EU spokesman said that “these verdicts are seen as inconsistent with the obligations that Pakistan has undertaken under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).”

The statement further said that “in line with article 14 of ICCPR every person is entitled to a fair and public trial in a court that is independent, impartial and competent, and has the right to adequate and effective legal representation.”

Similarly, A Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office spokesperson said that the UK respects Pakistan’s sovereignty over its own legal proceedings, trying civilians in military courts lacks transparency, independent scrutiny and undermines the right to a fair trial.

“We call on the Government of Pakistan to uphold its obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights”, the spokesperson added.

On December 21, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said that military courts have sentenced 25 civilians to prison terms ranging from two to 10 years for their involvement in violent attacks on military installations during nationwide riots in May 2023.

The ISPR said that in the first phase, Field General Court Martial have promulgated the punishments to 25 accused after examining all evidence, affording all legal rights to the accused and completion of due process.

Fourteen of the 25 convicted received 10-year sentences, with the majority linked to the Jinnah House incident.