UN, Amnesty International condemn military trials of May 9 vandals

UN, Amnesty International condemn military trials of May 9 vandals

New York (Web Desk): United Nations human rights chief Volker Türk has condemned coalition government’s decision to prosecute civilians involved in May 9 vandalism under the Army Act, terming its “disturbing”.

“Pakistan’s plans to revive the use of military courts to try civilians is disturbing,” UN high commissioner for human rights said.

Moreover, Amnesty International and other human rights organisations have also urged the Pakistani authorities to stop clamping down on the opposition through mass arrests, arbitrary detention, and charging people under vague anti-terrorism laws, and to release immediately all those held solely for exercising their right to freedom of peaceful assembly.

Several Pakistani leaders had opposed the decision and the PTI even moved the Supreme Court against the decision.

Punjab Interim Information Minister Amir Mir had said that “technical and intelligence” information had also been received through geo-fencing that terrorists were seeking refuge at Imran Khan’s Zaman Park residence.

The minister added that these people also included those who had attacked the Lahore Corps Commander House. He said that the agencies investigating were in possession of the evidence regarding their involvement in the attacks.

Mir alleged that the PTI leadership had planned the violent protests that took place in the country following the arrest of Imran Khan.