US concerned over sentences of 25 citizens by Pakistan military courts

Washington: The United States expressed serious concern over the sentencing of 25 civilians by Pakistani military courts in the May 9 cases.

In a statement, US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller expressed deep concern over the actions of Pakistan’s military courts and said that Washington has reservations about the sentencing of civilians involved in the May 9 protests by military tribunals.

He stated that the military courts lack guarantees of judicial independence, transparency, and, due process and that the Pakistani authorities should respect the fair trial enshrined in the constitution.

It is pertinent to note that earlier, the European Union had also reacted to this decision and expressed serious concern and said that the decisions taken by Pakistan against civilians in military courts are a violation of international agreements.

The European Union had urged Pakistan to protect the rights of its citizens and guarantee a fair trial against them.

In addition, the British government has also issued its response to the convictions of 25 civilians by military courts in Pakistan.

A statement issued by the British Foreign Office said that the United Kingdom does not interfere in Pakistan's legal process and respects Pakistan's sovereignty over its legal proceedings. There is a lack of transparency and independent scrutiny in the trials of civilians in military courts.