Deeply Concerned: US, EU Condemn Pak Military Courts Over Sentencing of Civilians Linked to Imran Khan Protests

Washington (US): The United States (US) is concerned about the sentence of 25 persons by a military court in Islamabad for targeting army sites. 

"The United States is concerned by the sentencing of Pakistani civilians in a military tribunal and calls upon Pakistani authorities to respect the right to a fair trial and due process," US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a post on X on Monday. 

This comes one day after the European Union (EU) expressed similar worries. On Sunday, the European Union raised concerns over the sentence of 25 people by a military court, stating that the decision was inconsistent with Pakistan 's promises to provide a 'fair and public' hearing for each victim., as reported by The Express Tribune.

EU Condemn Pak Military

In a statement, the European External Action Service (EEAS) in Brussels said, "The European Union notes with concern the sentencing of 25 civilians by a military court on
December 21 in Pakistan."

The EU issued its statement after a military court sentenced 25 people to prison terms ranging from two to ten years for targeting military sites during rallies following former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's imprisonment in May last year. 

In a statement, the Pakistan military stated that the country on May 9 saw tragic incidents of "politically provoked violence and arson at multiple places, marking a dark chapter in the history of Pakistan" when, building on a sustained narrative of hate and lies, politically orchestrated attacks were conducted at the army installations, The Express Tribune reported.

Terming the action of protesters as "blatant acts of violence," the Pakistan military said, “These 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.”

A field general court martial sentenced 25 people in the first phase after reviewing evidence and completion of proper legal procedures, according to the statement released
by the Pakistan military. 

However, the EU has expressed concerns over the verdicts announced by military courts. In a statement, the EU statement said, "These verdicts are seen as inconsistent with the obligations that Pakistan has undertaken under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)."

It further said, “In line with article 14 of ICCPR, every person is entitled to a fair and public trial in a court that is independent, impartial and competent, and has the right to adequate and effective legal representation. It also stipulates that any judgement rendered in a criminal case shall be made public.”

According to the EU statement, under the EU's generalised scheme of preferences plus (GSP+), beneficiary countries, including Pakistan, have voluntarily agreed to implement effectively 27 international core conventions - including the ICCPR - to continue benefitting from GSP+ status.

The GSP+ gives tariff preferences for imports to the EU from vulnerable developing nations to support poverty eradication, sustainable development and their participation in
the global economy as well as reinforce good governance.

Eligible nations like Pakistan can export goods to the EU market at zero duties for 66 per cent of tariff lines. This preferential status remains conditional for GSP+ nations showcasing tangible progress on the implementation of 27 international conventions on human and labour rights, environmental protection, climate change and good governance, according to The Express Tribune report.

GSP+ status has been beneficial for Pakistan's business increasing their exports to the EU market by 65 per cent since the country became part of GSP+ in 2014. The European single market with over 440 consumers is Pakistan's most important destination.

The EU's Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) provides a specific incentive for developing nations to achieve sustainable development and good governance. Eligible countries must implement 27 international treaties on human and labour rights.