The United States and Britain have expressed deep concern over the recent conviction by a Pakistani military court of 25 civilian supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan for their alleged involvement in last year’s riots.
The conviction had previously been criticized by the European Union and domestic human rights activists.
“The United States is deeply concerned by the sentencing of Pakistani civilians by military tribunals on May 9, 2023 for their involvement in protests. These military tribunals lacks guarantees of judicial independence, transparency and due process.” State Department on Monday.
He called on Pakistan to respect the right to a fair trial and due process.
In London, the Foreign Office said: “While the UK respects Pakistan’s sovereignty over its own legal processes, trying civilians in military tribunals lacks transparency and independent oversight and undermines the right to a fair trial.” It is damaging.” We call on the Government of Pakistan to comply with its obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. ”
The statement was referring to the violence that erupted after Khan’s arrest in Islamabad in May 2023.
The former prime minister was ousted in a no-confidence vote in parliament in 2022, convicted of corruption, and sentenced in August 2023.
Khan has been in prison ever since. Mr Khan’s popular opposition parties are in talks with the government to secure his release.
