Amnesty International raised an alert about Pakistan’s plan to use the Army Act to try May 9 rioters, stating that doing so “clearly violates international law.”
The NGO noted that “there are several provisions under ordinary criminal laws that can be used to prosecute vandalism and destruction of public property” in a tweet.
“This action seriously undermines the right to a fair trial, which is guaranteed by Pakistan’s Constitution, and it cannot be justified. It must be destroyed right away,” the statement added.
The human rights company’s statement comes after the top military brass decided earlier this week that those responsible for attacks on military facilities and personnel after Imran Khan, the leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), was arrested, would be prosecuted in accordance with the relevant laws of the nation, including the Pakistan Army Act and the Official Secret Act.
Restraint will no longer be practiced in the event of attacks on military institutions, according to a Special Corps Commanders Conference presided over by Chief of Army Staff Gen. Syed Asim Munir at General Headquarters (GHQ).
Following Imran Khan‘s arrest on May 9, a conference was held days after violent attacks on important military installations and government buildings.
The decision of the corps commanders’ conference was backed by the country’s civil and military leadership a day following the military’s declaration at a National Security Committee (NSC) meeting.
“Meeting endorsed the decision to initiate trials against the perpetrators, conspirators, and facilitators under relevant laws, including the Pakistan Army Act and the Official Secrets Act, to ensure justice,” the statement said.
The participants strongly denounced the targeting of military installations for political and personal gain, as well as the encirclement and attacks on them.
They reiterated that there will be “zero tolerance” for violence and other wrongdoing in the nation.
