European Union criticizes Pakistan’s sentences as ICCPR violation
May 9 convictions: US says military courts lack ‘judicial independence’. The United States joined the United Kingdom and the European Union to express “deep concerns” over the sentence of 25 civilians by military courts in connection with the May 9, 2023, riots, in which military installations were targeted.
In a statement on Monday, the U.S. State Department expressed “deep concern over Pakistani civilians being sentenced by a military tribunal for their involvement in protests on May 9, 2023.”
Washington added that these military courts lack “judicial independence, transparency”, and due process guarantees.
Furthermore, the United States called on Pakistani authorities to “respect the right to a fair trial” and due process, as enshrined in Pakistan’s constitution.
In a statement, the British government‘s foreign office also said that civilians’ convictions by military courts “lack transparency, independent scrutiny and undermines the right to a fair trial.”
The UK urged the federal government to uphold its obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).
The European Union said the sentences were “inconsistent with the obligations that Pakistan has undertaken under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.”
On December 20, Pakistani military courts sentenced 25 individuals involved in the May 9 events to prison terms ranging from 2 to 10 years. The individuals were accused of acts against state institutions, which resulted in their trial and conviction in military courts.
The UK government has expressed concerns over the sentencing of 25 civilians by Pakistani military courts, emphasizing the lack of transparency and independent oversight in the trials. The UK urged Pakistan to uphold the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which guarantees the right to a fair trial.
The European Union also criticized the verdicts, stating they violated ICCPR obligations and Pakistan’s commitments under the Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+). The 25 individuals were sentenced to 2–10 years in prison for involvement in the May 9 incidents.
