Death-row navy officers granted access to inquiry record

ISLAMABAD:

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday ordered the additional attorney general (AAG) to ensure access to the relevant portions of an inquiry report against five naval officers, who were in jail, with their death penalty under appeal in the court.

IHC Justice Babar Sattar heard the appeal of the five navy officers, who had been given the death sentence by a military court. Their lawyers had requested the court to obtain the documents, but the navy declined to provide a full inquiry report as the matter pertained to the national security.

The AAG informed the court the record was available in the Naval Office and the appellants could see the relevant portions and could also take notes. The court issued orders for giving access to the lawyers of the appellants to the record with adequate time to take notes.

Five Navy personnel were sentenced to death by a court martial. The IHC had stayed the execution of the death sentence, pending their appeal.