- For the May 9 vandalism investigation, the military has received 8 additional suspects.
RAWALPINDI: An anti-terrorism court in Rawalpindi has issued directives to the superintendent of Adiala Jail to hand over eight suspects to the military for trial. These individuals were arrested for their involvement in vandalism during protests that took place on May 9, which targeted various locations, including military installations.
The court’s orders were issued in response to Vandalism applications submitted by military Commanding Officers Farhan Nazir Qureshi and Muhammad Yasir Nawaz Cheema. Qureshi requested custody of suspects involved in a case registered at Civil Lines police station, while Cheema sought custody of suspects in a case registered at RA Bazar police station.
The court accepted the commanding officers’ requests, citing previous cases and legal provisions. It invoked Section 549(3) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, along with Rule 7(f) of the Criminal Procedure (Military Offenders) Rules, 1970. The deputy prosecutor general did not raise any objections and forwarded the request for appropriate orders.
The court’s orders directed the superintendent of Adiala Jail to hand over the accused persons to the commanding officers for further legal proceedings in accordance with the law. This decision follows a similar ruling by a Lahore anti-terrorism court, which authorized the military trial of 16 suspects involved in the vandalism of the Lahore Corps Commander’s residence.
The protests on May 9 were triggered by the paramilitary Rangers’ arrest of PTI Chairman Imran Khan from the Islamabad High Court in a corruption case. During the protests, social media platforms were flooded with videos showing rioting and vandalism at various locations, including the residence of the Lahore Corps Commander and the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi.
In response to these incidents, the army labeled the day a “dark chapter” and announced its intention to try the rioters under relevant laws, including the Pakistan Army Act and the Official Secrets Act. The National Security Committee, the country’s principal decision-making body on foreign policy and national security, endorsed this decision despite opposition from rights organizations and activists.
The PTI has challenged the government’s decision to prosecute civilians under the Army Act, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif clarified that only those accused of vandalizing civilian infrastructure would be tried under anti-terrorism laws. Individuals accused of vandalizing military property would face trial under military laws.
Rights organizations have consistently voiced their opposition to trying civilians in military courts. Amnesty International, in response to the Lahore court’s approval of handing over 16 suspects to the army, demanded an immediate reversal of the decision. The issue remains contentious, with ongoing debates surrounding the appropriate legal framework for trying individuals involved in such incidents.
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