ISLAMABAD: The European Union has expressed concerns over the recent verdicts announced by military courts in Pakistan against 25 PTI workers in the May 9 arson attacks cases.
The media wing of the military in Rawalpindi announced a few days ago that 25 people involved in the May 9 cases had been sentenced to jail terms ranging from two to 10 yearsÂ
In a statement issued by spokesperson for the European Union, it was stated military Court public violet Pakistan’s commitment net to follow International conventions and laws.
“The European Union notes with concern the sentencing of twenty-five civilians by a military court on 21 December in Pakistan.
“These verdicts are seen as inconsistent with the obligations that Pakistan has undertaken under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).
“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.”
The EU statement also referred to the preferential treatment granted to Pakistan to access the European market. This facility also makes Pakistan bound to follow International laws as regard to rule of law and human rights.
“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 – in order to continue benefitting from GSP+ status,” the statement added.
