The United States is deeply concerned that Pakistani civilians have been sentenced by a military tribunal for their involvement in protests on May 9, 2023.
In a brief statement issued on Tuesday, US Department of State Spokesperson Matthew Miller said that These military courts lack judicial independence, transparency, and due process guarantees.
US Department of State Spokesperson Matthew Miller said that Washington continued to call on Pakistani authorities to “respect” the right to a fair trial and due process, as enshrined in the country’s constitution.
The United States continues to call on Pakistani authorities to respect the right to a fair trial and due process, as enshrined in Pakistan’s constitution.
In a major development, the military court last week sentenced 25 individuals involved in the attacks on state installations during the violent protests of May 9, 2023.
The conviction of civilians in a military court drew reactions from the United Kingdom and the European Union as well.
The UK urged the federal government to uphold its obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).
“Military courts lack transparency, independent scrutiny and undermine the right to a fair trial,” a Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office spokesperson said in a statement issued on Monday.
However, the spokesperson said, the UK respects Pakistan’s sovereignty over its legal proceedings.
The EU was the first to react on the matter, expressing concern over the sentencing of 25 accused by a military court, saying that the verdicts were seen as inconsistent with the obligations that Pakistan has undertaken under the ICCPR.
“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,” said a statement issued by the EU’s European External Action Service.
