Full Justice for May 9 Riots Dependent on Punishing Masterminds: ISPR

Complete justice over the May 9 incidents would be served when the masterminds and planners of riots were punished as per the Constitution and law, the military’s media wing, ISPR, said on Saturday.

“Many accused are also being tried in various anti-terrorist courts and their cases are being pursued as per the law, however, justice would truly be fully served once the mastermind and planners of the May 9 tragedy are punished as per the Constitution and laws of the land,” the Inter-Services Public Relations said in a statement.

Violent protests broke out when several protesters took to the streets following the arrest of former prime minister Imran Khan from the premises of the Islamabad High Court last year.

The PTI has distanced itself from the protests and called for forming the judicial commission, however, the government has maintained that separating the former ruling party and the leaders was difficult given the footage and evidence.

The ISPR’s statement also mentioned that the military court has sentenced at least 25 suspects to jail terms for their involvement in the riots. It maintained that they have the right to appeal and other legal courses as per the law.

Last week, the Supreme Court’s constitutional bench conditionally allowed military courts to pronounce reserved verdicts of 85 civilians who were still in custody for their alleged involvement in the riots.

“Promulgation of the sentences of remaining accused is also being done and will be announced shortly as and when the due process is complete,” the ISPR said.

The statement described the development as an “important milestone” in the dispensation of justice to the nation. “It is also a stark reminder to all those who are exploited by the vested interests and fall prey to their political propaganda and intoxicating lies, to never take law in own hands ever in the future.”

It vowed that the state would pursue dispensation of justice to ensure the establishment of state’s writ to uproot the evil of violence “driven disruptive and destructive politics based on hate, divisiveness and baseless propaganda.”