Pak’s new military courts challenged over abuse claims

Date:

spot_imgspot_img

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Supreme Court is expected to rule soon on whether secret military tribunals set up in early 2015 to try civilians accused of terrorism have violated the constitutional rights of 12 people convicted by these courts.
The military tribunals were established after the massacre in December, 2014, by Islamist militants of 134 students at an army-run school in the northwestern city of Peshawar.
Lawmakers authorised the courts in January last year, handing over significant judicial control to a military that is already powerful and has ruled the country of 190 million people for about half of its existence.
They have so far convicted 81 people, 77 of whom were sentenced to death, according to the military’s press wing. There have been no acquittals, the military says.
At least 27 convicts have filed appeals with civilian courts, alleging coercion of confessions and denial of access to lawyers and to evidence used against them, according to Reuters research and local media reports.
Of the 12 cases that have come before the Supreme Court, the legal arguments have concluded in nine. The court has been hearing the case for the remaining appellants, and is expected to give a verdict on all 12 cases together, possibly in the coming weeks. (Reuters)

spot_imgspot_img

Related articles

Changing weather conditions driving H3N2 cases in Delhi-NCR: Experts

New Delhi, Sep 17: Changing weather conditions are driving influenza A strain H3N2 cases in Delhi-NCR, said health...

Indian Army restores vital road connectivity in J&K’s Ramban with 150-foot reinforced Maitra Bridge

Jammu, Sep 17: Days after heavy rainfall created havoc in several districts of J&K's Jammu region, including Ramban,...

Ahead of Bihar polls, ECI introduces colour photos, larger serial numbers on EVM ballot papers to boost clarity

New Delhi, Sep 17: The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Wednesday announced a major revamp of Electronic...

Smriti Mandhana slams second fastest women’s ODI ton by Indian batter

New Chandigarh, Sep 17: Vice-captain Smriti Mandhana registered the second-fastest century by an Indian batter in women’s ODIs...