ISLAMABAD: A day before the Supreme Court takes up petitions against the trial of civilians involved in May 9 in military courts, the federal government said that the trials have already begun.
In a written response submitted to the Supreme Court, the government emphasized that it is “imperative” for the trials to begin in order to protect the interests of the individuals under trial.
The government’s reply stated, “To safeguard the interests of the accused persons, it is imperative that their trials are conducted and concluded.” However, the reply also clarified that the trials would remain subject to the petitions being heard in court.
A five-member bench of the Supreme Court was scheduled to hear the case on Monday, with the last hearing having taken place on August 3.
The government’s response further indicated that initiating the trials would facilitate the acquittal of innocent individuals, while those with minor sentences could be released since they have already been in custody for months. It also noted that conducting trials would enable convicted individuals to avail remedies permitted by the law.
According to the government, 102 people were taken into custody in connection with various violent incidents on May 9, including the attacks on the Corps Commander House in Lahore and GHQ in Rawalpindi, among others. The accused were detained under the Army Act as well as the Official Secrets Act.
Violent protests erupted across the country on May 9 after the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan from Islamabad.
