Aitzaz Ahsan terms military courts 'slaughterhouses'

Latif Khosa opposes trial within jail premises

LAHORE/ISLAMABAD:

PPP’s leader Barrister Aitzaz Ahsan has described the military courts as “slaughterhouses”, asserting that it remains an inherent right of the accused to have access to an open trial, an entitlement that the state cannot withhold.

The esteemed lawyer said it was unfortunate that the reliance of the military courts in cases registered in the wake of the May 9 riots was upon the “abduction for statements not of the abduction for ransom”.

Shedding light on the alleged method of “abduction for statements”, he alleged that individuals were initially abducted, and coerced into giving statements, as observed in cases arising from the May 9 incidents.

Ahsan highlighted instances where certain accused, after their disappearance, filed petitions against their initial pleas challenging the military trial proceedings, arguing they were satisfied with the military trial.

Talking to media persons outside Lahore High Court, he maintained that Article 10-A of the Constitution ensures citizens’ right to a fair trial and due process. Referring to the authorities' explanations regarding security concerns surrounding former prime minister Imran Khan, he questioned the validity of these "excuses."

Read more: Aitzaz defends Imran in cipher saga

He stressed that the country was spending billions on the institution, pointing out that if the state fails to safeguard an individual like Imran Khan, it raises doubts about its capability to ensure the safety of the entire nation.

Expressing his sorrow over the performance of the military courts, he said the military courts from 2015 to 2019 convicted accused persons in 253 cases merely relying upon printouts of confessional statements and astonishingly enough the content was the same on them.‘Coerced punishment violates constitution’ Meanwhile, in response to inquiries regarding PTI chief Imran Khan's bail case in the Supreme Court, senior lawyer Latif Khosa expressed opposition to the idea of a trial within jail premises.

Khosa pointed to Section 352, highlighting its provision for an open trial, adding that that jail was inaccessible to media, the public, and legal representatives.

Recalling former president Asif Ali Zardari's trials in Kot Lakhpat Jail, Khosa cited manipulation of statements and coercion tactics, alleging that the same was taking place now. "Justice should not only be served but should also be seen as being served. When the media, the fourth pillar of the state, is absent, public awareness suffers," he asserted.