In Pakistan, thousands of protesters are to be tried before military courts after the temporary arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. In a statement, the government and military announced late Tuesday evening (local time) that they would not look back.
Riots broke out in the South Asian country last week after the opposition leader was taken from a court in Islamabad. Demonstrators stormed several military buildings. According to the police, more than 4000 people were arrested. Most are still in prison. Khan is now free again.
Human rights organizations criticized the announcement. “Trial of civilians by a military court is not compatible with international law,” Amnesty International said. This is “pure intimidation tactics” against the opposition.
The organization Human Rights Commission of Pakistan also spoke of arbitrary arrests of politicians belonging to Khan’s PTI party. During Khan’s almost four-year term of office until April last year, civilians had to answer to military courts.
The former prime minister has since been released by order of the Supreme Court. However, a renewed arrest of the former cricket star is possible. Since Khan was overthrown by a vote of no confidence, the judiciary has repeatedly raised new allegations. Observers see political reasons for this.
Khan himself has repeatedly accused the powerful military of being involved in a conspiracy against him. The 70-year-old is hoping for a political comeback. (dpa)
