Using military tribunals to try civilians is “against international law.”
Fair trial guarantees will be weakened, according to Amnesty International.
On Friday, Amnesty International voiced its disapproval of Pakistan’s plan to try the May 9 rioters in military court, claiming that doing so would be a violation of international law.
An NGO tweeted, “There are several provisions under ordinary criminal laws that can be used to prosecute vandalism and destruction of public property.”
It continued, “This action seriously compromises the right to a fair trial that is guaranteed by Pakistan’s Constitution and is not justifiable.” It needs to be nullified right away.
After the arrest of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan, the top military brass resolved earlier this week that those responsible for the attacks on military installations and personnel would be brought to justice through trials under the relevant laws of the country, including the Pakistan Army Act and the Official Secret Act, as stated by the human rights NGO.
At the General Headquarters (GHQ), Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir presided over a Special Corps Commanders Conference where it was made clear that restraint would no longer be maintained in the event of attacks on military sites.
In response to Imran’s detention on May 9, violent attacks on government buildings and vital military installations occurred days before the summit.
The next day, at a meeting of the National Security Committee, the country’s civilian and military officials approved the decision of the corps commanders’ conference.
To achieve justice, “the meeting endorsed the decision to initiate trials against the perpetrators, conspirators, and facilitators under relevant laws including the Pakistan Army Act and the Official Secrets Act,” the statement added.
Arson, encirclement, and attacks on military facilities for personal gain or political advantage were roundly denounced.
They reaffirmed that there would be “zero tolerance” for criminal activity and violence in the country.
