ATC dismisses May 9 acquittal pleas

A Special Anti-Terrorism Court in Peshawar has dismissed the acquittal plea of 29 individuals, including former and current members of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Assembly, who were directly named in a case related to the May 9 protest against the arrest of PTI Chairman Imran Khan.

The court adjourned the hearing of the case till September 6, summoning prosecution witnesses, while acquitting more than 70 others indirectly named defendants.

During the hearing, the court listened to the arguments from the defense counsel, who stated that the case against the accused was politically motivated and lacked solid evidence. They argued that the accused should be acquitted due to insufficient evidence, as many others accused in similar cases had already been let off the hook.

They further claimed that the prosecution failed to prove the presence of the accused at the scene, and that their clients were being targeted due to political vendettas. The defense pointed out that higher courts had also made observations regarding such politically motivated cases, suggesting they were fabricated by the police for political point scoring. Therefore, they requested acquittal on the grounds of insufficient evidence.

On the other hand, the public prosecutor argued that the accused were involved in the protest on May 9 within the jurisdiction of Khan Raziq Shaheed Police Station, during which private and public property was damaged. The prosecutor also mentioned that a citizen lost his life and several others were injured during the protest, and thus, the case should go to trial as the prosecution has substantial evidence.

After hearing the arguments, the court dismissed the acquittal application and adjourned the hearing until September 6, summoning additional witnesses. However, more than 70 defendants who were not directly named in the case were acquitted under Section 265-K.

The May 9 riots across the country marked a significant and tumultuous episode in the nation's political history. These riots were triggered by the arrest of former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Founder Imran Khan.

His detention set off a wave of violent protests across the country, leading to widespread chaos which raiased and raising concerns about the stability of the political landscape.

Imran Khan was arrested by paramilitary forces on May 9, 2023, in connection with allegations of corruption. His arrest was seen by many of his supporters as a politically motivated move by the ruling coalition, aiming to weaken his party ahead of upcoming elections. In response, thousands of PTI supporters took to the streets in major cities such as Lahore, Islamabad, Karachi, and Peshawar, leading to what became one of the most intense and widespread public uprisings in recent years.

The protests quickly escalated into riots, characterised by arson, vandalism, and clashes with law enforcement. Public and private properties were targeted, with significant damage reported to government buildings, vehicles, and military installations.

In a particularly symbolic act, protesters in Lahore stormed and set fire to the residence of the Corps Commander, reflecting the growing tensions between Khan's supporters and the military establishment.