BRUSSELS – In a major development, the European Union has expressed concerns over the military courts’ verdict sentencing 25 civilians in the May 9 riots.
The European External Action Service on December 21 stated that “these sentences against citizens are in conflict with Pakistan’s international obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which Pakistan has recognized as part of its international commitments,”.
The European Union stated that under Article 14 of the ICCPR, every individual has the right to a fair and public hearing including being tried by an independent, impartial and competent tribunal.
Furthermore, Article 14 also clarified that the criminal cases should be decided in a public trial.
The statement also mentioned that Pakistan adhered to 27 international conventions under the European Union’s Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP+), which included the ICCPR.
Under the scheme, Pakistan received the trade benefits.
It may be mentioned here that on December 20, the military courts in Pakistan sentenced 25 individuals involved in the May 9 tragedy to prison terms ranging from 2 to 10 years.
The individuals who were convicted were accused of taking actions against the state institutions. The military courts took up their cases delivered the verdicts.
