Thirty-three supporters of former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan have been handed over to the army to face trial in military courts on charges of attacking armed forces’ installations. The 33 accused are among the thousands detained since the arrest of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman on the 9th of this month sparked violent protests across Pakistan.
Cricketer-turned-politician, Imran Khan was arrested on graft charges, which he denies. While he was subsequently released on bail, his confrontation with the country’s powerful generals escalated.
Country’s Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah on Friday said those handed over to army authorities are accused of trespassing on and vandalizing sensitive military installations. Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad, Mr Sanaullah said, evidence suggested the protesters damaged and stole important equipment, computers, and other sources of data collection. He said only those involved in breaching out-of-bounds areas would face trial under army laws, suggesting there would not be mass trials in military courts. In response to a question, the Interior Minister suggested that Imran Khan could also be tried in a military court, saying, evidence with them suggests, he is the architect of all this mess and planning. The minister said after a verdict from the military courts the accused would have a right to appeal to a high court and then the Supreme Court.