‘Sentencing of civilians’: After EU and UK, US says it is deeply concerned

ISLAMABAD: After the UK and European Union (EU)’s reactions, the United States has said that it was deeply concerned over sentencing of 25 Pakistani civilians by a military tribunal for their involvement in protests on May 9, 2023.

In a statement issued by the State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller, the US highlighted these military courts lack judicial independence, transparency, and due process guarantees.

He emphasised that United States continues to call on Pakistan authorities to respect the right to fair trial and due process, as enshrined in the constitution of Pakistan. “Pakistan must respect its constitutional guarantees of fair trials and due process for all citizens”, the statement pointed out.

The UK Foreign Office on Monday condemned the use of military courts to try civilians, stressing that this undermines fundamental human rights.

On Sunday, the EU censured the sentences, stating they violate Pakistan’s international obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

The Field General Court Martial (FGCM) have in first phase, promulgated on 13 December punishments to 25 accused after examining all evidence, affording all legal right to the accused and completion of due process.

The military tribunal handed down punishments to the 25 accused ranging from 2-10 years respectively.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2024