HRW urges Pakistan to not try civilians in military courts

A leading rights group has urged Pakistan not to try civilians in military courts, reminding the government that the practice violates the country’s obligations under international law.

A leading rights group has urged Pakistan not to try civilians in military courts, reminding the government that the practice violates the country’s obligations under international law.

Pakistan plans to try in army courts dozens of its citizens accused of attacking military installations during protests this month after the dramatic arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Human Rights Watch (HRW) said international human rights standards provide “no basis for Pakistani authorities to try these cases in military courts, especially as the civilian courts are functioning”.

“The Pakistani government has a responsibility to prosecute those committing violence, but only in independent and impartial civilian courts,” said Patricia Gossman, HRW’s associate Asia director.

“Pakistan’s military courts, which use secret procedures that deny due process rights, should not be used to prosecute civilians, even for crimes against the military,” she said.