UN rights body head opposes trial of civilians under Army Act
Says Pakistan's plan to revive use of military courts to try civilians is disturbing.
United Nations human rights chief Volker Türk on Wednesday termed Pakistan’s decision to prosecute civilians involved in May 9 vandalism under the Army Act disturbing.
“Pakistan’s plans to revive the use of military courts to try civilians is ‘disturbing’,” said the UN high commissioner for human rights.
A large number of PTI supporters staged countrywide demonstrations on May 9 when party Chairman Imran Khan was arrested in connection with an alleged corruption case.
The demonstrators destroyed public and private properties, attacked military installations and ransacked relics of martyrs.
Following the incidents, the civil and military leadership resolved to give exemplary punishment under the Army Act to those involved in the arson attacks.
Amnesty International and other human rights organisations have also urged the Pakistani authorities to stop clamping down on the opposition.
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