Pakistani Court Sentences Nearly 200 Imran Khan Supporters to 10 Years Over 2023 Riots

A court in Faisalabad, eastern Pakistan, sentenced nearly 200 supporters of current President Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, including opposition leaders Omar Ayub and Shibli Faraz, to 10 years in prison for their roles in violent protests on May 9, 2023, following Khan's brief arrest. The convicted individuals, comprising multiple members of the National Assembly, a senator, and a provincial MP, faced charges related to attacks on military installations and government buildings during nationwide riots. PTI leaders condemned the verdicts as politically motivated and harmful to democracy, vowing to appeal the sentences in higher courts. The protests had triggered a large-scale crackdown, with thousands of PTI members detained and some cases referred to military courts. The sentencing occurs amid ongoing political turmoil since Khan's ouster in 2022 via a no-confidence vote and his subsequent imprisonment on charges he deems politically driven. The verdicts have heightened tensions ahead of planned rallies by Khan's supporters to mark the anniversary of his convictions.