May 9 convictions

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The accused in the May 9 rioting and arson cases, who now stand convicted, are in need of a fair trial. It is quite evident that the canons of justice have not come full circle, and there is much that should have come on record to the assistance of the accused, including eyewitnesses, CCTV footage and a proper hearing as per law. The manner in which the cases were dragged for more than two years testifies that a humble hearing is due, and one hopes the sentenced political prisoners will be heard at the appellate.

In what was widely expected, most of the PTI leaders under trial for the May 9 vandalism were sentenced for various prison terms of up to 10 years, and the prominent among them were Dr Yasmin Rashid, Mian Mahmoodur Rasheed, Umar Sarfraz Cheema, Ejaz Chaudhary, Malik Ahmad Khan Bhachar and Ahmad Chatha. However, vice-chairman PTI Shah Mehmood Qureshi has been acquitted in one of the cases booked against him in Lahore.

The belated decisions have already cast a shadow of doubt, as not much was lawfully heard as to how the trial was completed. It was on the premise of a Supreme Court order that a deadline of August was met and the decisions doled out apparently in exigency.

The May 9 incidents are our political history's biggest dilemma and in need of some astute introspection and lawful prosecution. The fact that PTI workers and leaders were detained and tried at various fora, including military courts, sessions courts and ATCs, makes it too compounding, and gives the impression of political victimisation.

A glance at the verdict hints at several lacunas, including the observation that "if an act is done by several persons in furtherance of their common intention, each of such persons is liable for that act, which is done by other persons as it is not required that a person should necessarily perform any act with his own hand."

The courts, likewise, immensely relied on prosecution witnesses of police officials, terming their testimony "natural". This necessitates a sound re-hearing to ensure that justice is seen to be done.