The European Union has expressed serious concerns regarding the sentences handed down by Pakistan’s military courts on December 21 to 25 individuals convicted for their involvement in the violent protests of May 9, 2023. These protests erupted following the arrest of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan in the Al-Qadir Trust case.
In a statement by the European External Action Service (EEAS), the EU criticized the verdicts, deeming them “inconsistent” with Pakistan’s commitments under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).
“These verdicts are seen as inconsistent with the obligations that Pakistan has undertaken under the ICCPR,” said Anouar El Anouni, spokesperson for EU foreign affairs and security policy.
Fair Trial Rights Highlighted
The EU reiterated the ICCPR’s provisions, emphasizing the right to a fair and public trial before an independent, impartial, and competent court, as well as the necessity of adequate legal representation. “Any judgment rendered in a criminal case shall be made public,” the statement added.
Link to GSP+ Trade Agreement
The EU also pointed to Pakistan’s commitment under the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+), a trade agreement that requires the implementation of 27 international conventions, including the ICCPR. The EU urged Pakistan to uphold these commitments, particularly the principles of justice and transparency.
Sentences and Context
The military courts sentenced the 25 PTI workers to imprisonment ranging from two to 10 years, following trials that lasted over a year. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the convicted individuals were involved in politically motivated attacks on military installations, including the General Headquarters (GHQ).
The ISPR described the May 9 incidents as a “dark chapter in Pakistan’s history,” alleging that the protests were orchestrated acts of political terrorism.
International Scrutiny
The EU’s concerns come amid growing international scrutiny of Pakistan’s judicial processes and adherence to human rights commitments. Observers are watching closely to see how the Pakistani government responds to the EU’s statement, given the potential implications for its GSP+ trade privileges.
