RAWALPINDI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 21st Dec, 2024) As many as 25 civilians involved in violent attacks on military installations during the nationwide May 9, 2023 riots have been sentenced by the military courts two to 10 years prison.
On December 13, the 7th member's constitutional bench of the Supreme Court allowed military courts to announce the decision of under custody civilians pertaining to the May 9 incidents, said an Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) news issued here Saturday.
The sentences have been pronounced after a complete investigation of all evidence and fulfilling all legal procedures. The convicted persons have also been provided complete legal rights to fulfil the legal requirements, it further said.
âOn May 9, the nation witnessed politically provoked violence and arson at multiple places, marking a dark chapter in the history of Pakistanâ, the press release said.
âBuilding on a sustained narrative of hate and lies, politically orchestrated attacks were carried out on the installations of the armed forces including desecration of the monuments of shuhada,â it added.
âThese blatant acts of violence not only shocked the nation but also underscored the necessity of checking this unacceptable attempt of political terrorism to impose own perverted will through violence and coercion,â ISPR further said.
After this black day, all evidence and events were thoroughly investigated besides gathering irrefutable evidence against the perpetrators. Some select cases were also referred to Field General Court Martial âas per law.â
âPromulgation of the sentences of remaining accused is also being done and will be announced shortly as and when the due process is complete,â the statement said.
âThe verdict is an important milestone in the dispensation of justice," it added.
The sentences are also a clear message to those who âare exploited by the vested interests and fall prey to their political propaganda and intoxicating lies, to never take law in own hands ever in the future,â the press release said.
âSome additional suspects are being tried in various Anti-Terrorist Courts,â it added. However, it emphasized that âjustice would truly be served once the mastermind and planners of May 9 riots are punished as per the Constitution and laws of the landâ, it further added.
Ten-year sentences were handed down to 14 of the 25 persons convicted, with the majority linked to the Jinnah House incident.