A policeman stands guard inside the compound of an Ahmadi worship place, May 30, 2010. PHOTO: REUTERS
On Friday, May 28, 2010, over 88 people were killed in twin gun-and-bomb attacks at Ahmadi places of worship in the Garhi Shahu and Model Town areas in Lahore.
"Accused Muaz (alias Muaviya), 27, has been given the death sentence on seven counts of murder and terrorism for the attack on the Ahmadi places of worship," prosecutor Rai Asif Mehmood told AFP. The court awarded death sentence on three counts under section 7A of Anti Terrorism Act, death on three counts under section 302(Punishment of Qatl-i-Amd) of Pakistan Penal Code and death on one count under section 3 (Punishment for causing explosion likely to endanger life or property) of Explosives Substances ACT, 1908.
The court gave life imprisonment to Muaviya's co-accused Abdullah, 21, on nine counts of terrorism and use of explosives, Mehmood said. Abdullah was handed the 'lighter' sentence because he was a juvenile when the crime was committed. He further prayed the court count his under-trial imprisonment, which the court accepted.
The men were fined Rs3 million rupees each, Mehmood added.
A second prosecution official confirmed the sentences.
The pair's defence lawyer Rana Arif told AFP that his clients could appeal against the verdicts.
The attacks sparked more than two hours of gun battles with police and commandos. Muaviya and Abdullah were detained at the scene while two other suspects remain at large, according to officials.
Gunmen later attacked the hospital where victims were being treated, killing another 12 people.
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