EU Condemns Military Court Sentences Against Supporters of Imran Khan


The European Union has strongly criticized recent verdicts handed down by military courts in Pakistan, sentencing 25 supporters of the country's former Prime Minister, Imran Khan, to prison terms. In a statement issued Sunday, the EU emphasized that these rulings violate Pakistan’s international obligations to ensure fair and transparent trials for civilians.
According to an announcement by the Pakistani military, the individuals were convicted for their involvement in attacks on military installations during nationwide protests in May 2023. The sentences range from two to ten years of "rigorous imprisonment" and were imposed under military court jurisdiction, a practice that has sparked widespread concern among human rights organizations and legal experts.

The protests erupted following the arrest of Imran Khan, the leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party and a key political figure in the country. The demonstrations saw thousands take to the streets, with some participants allegedly targeting military facilities in acts of violence. In response, the Pakistani government authorized military courts to try civilians accused of such attacks, citing national security concerns.

However, the EU has raised serious concerns about the fairness and transparency of these proceedings. "The trial of civilians in military courts runs counter to Pakistan’s commitments under international human rights law," the EU statement read. "The right to a fair trial and due process are fundamental principles that must be upheld in any democratic society."

The use of military courts for civilian cases has been a contentious issue in Pakistan, with critics arguing that such trials lack the safeguards necessary to ensure justice. International human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, have repeatedly called on Pakistan to end the practice and adhere to its obligations under treaties like the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).

The EU’s condemnation adds to growing international scrutiny of Pakistan's human rights record, particularly in the wake of political unrest and the crackdown on Khan's supporters. The development further complicates Pakistan's relations with the international community, as calls for accountability and legal reform continue to intensify.

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