Military Court Sentences 60 in May 9 Riots

A military court in Pakistan has sentenced 60 individuals, including Hassan Khan Niazi, nephew of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, to prison terms ranging from two to ten years for their roles in the May 9 riots that followed Khan's arrest. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) reported that the trials concluded after ensuring legal rights for the convicts, who maintain the right to appeal. The international community, including the US and EU, has expressed concerns over the legitimacy of military trials for civilians, citing violations of fair trial rights under international law. The Pakistani government defended the sentences as lawful, emphasizing the importance of upholding state authority. The military's statement highlighted a commitment to justice, while critics fear military courts may increasingly handle cases related to Khan. In total, military courts have now sentenced 85 individuals connected to the May 9 unrest, amid calls for accountability of the riots' masterminds.