The United Kingdom and United States joined the European Union on Monday in expressing concerns over the military sentencing of the May 9 suspects, saying that such trials lack ‘transparency’ and urged Pakistan to fulfil its commitments under international law.
“While 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,” a Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office spokesperson said in a statement on Monday.
The statement comes after the Inter-Services Public Relations announced that the military courts have handed down jail terms to at least 25 people who were involved in the May 9 events.
Washington “is deeply concerned that Pakistani civilians have been sentenced by a military tribunal for their involvement in protests on May 9, 2023,” the U.S. State Department, said.
According to the military’s media wing, the punishments to the 25 accused were sentenced after examining all evidence, affording all legal rights to the accused and completing “due process”.
While issuing names of the suspects, it added that the promulgation of the sentences of the remaining accused would be announced “shortly” as and when the due process is complete.
A day earlier, the EU highlighted that 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,” in line with Article 14 of ICCPR.
The EU also warned Pakistan of the repercussions of the decision on their Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) status which allows the South Asian country to enjoy duty-free or minimum duty on exports to the European market.
The UK had also reacted to the military trial of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan in November. It came after a letter from Kim Johnson MP, which was written at the request of Khan’s adviser on international affairs Zulfikar Bukhari.
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British Foreign Secretary David Lammy had said that there are no signs from Pakistani authorities indicating a plan to try Khan in a military court.
In the past, Khan expressed concerns over his possible military trial following amendments to the Army Act and the arrest of former spymaster Lieutenant General (retd) Faiz Hameed. Earlier this month, the ISPR said that Hameed has been formally indicted on “charges of engaging in political activities”.
The UK urged the country to follow international laws.
“We call on the Government of Pakistan to uphold its obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights,” it said.
