Pakistan: Unveiling Reasons For Trials Of May 9th Riot Offenders – OpEd
There has been a recent outcry on the military trials of 9th May offenders who created a new history of violence in Pakistan where Millions of dollars of state property was burned down and institutional buildings were attacked. Trial in military courts is not something new in international history as it has been used in the past to trial offenders of heinous crimes. One such example is the London and Capital Hill trial case.
The London and Capitol Hill riots captivated global attention due to their profound impact on the social, political, and legal landscapes of the respective countries. In both cases, the decision to trial some offenders in military courts diverged from the customary practice of utilizing civilian courts. The London riots occurred between August 6 and 11, 2011, while the Capitol Hill riots took place on January 6, 2021.The London riots occurred between August 6 and 11, 2011, while the Capitol Hill riots took place on January 6, 2021.
In general, some potential justifications and factors that might have influenced the use of military court trials could include:
The immediate need to restore public order, address threats to public safety, and prevent further violence could be a significant consideration. If the actions of the offenders were perceived as posing a threat to national security or undermining the stability of the state, the decision to employ military court trials could be justified. In cases where there is a need for swift resolution and a concern that the civilian court system may face challenges in handling the volume of cases or ensuring a timely resolution, military court trials could be deemed more efficient. Military courts may have specialized knowledge and experience in dealing with specific types of offenses or situations, particularly those that involve military personnel or matters related to national defense. The decision to utilize military court trials could be motivated by a desire to assure the public that justice will be served swiftly and effectively, particularly in high-profile cases that have garnered significant public attention. In cases where the actions of the offenders are seen as a direct attack on democratic institutions or processes, military court trials might be considered a means to safeguard the integrity of democratic systems.
The occurrence of violent protests in Pakistan has posed significant challenges to the country’s governance and legal systems. In certain instances, the decision to conduct trials of offenders in military courts rather than civilian courts has sparked debates regarding the appropriateness and legality of such measures. However, such occurrences that challenge the national security framework and threaten to drag the country towards anarchy must be dealt with an iron hand. Military court trials of such offenders is a testament of stable and quick judicial system in a country.
Humais Sheikh, has completed his Master’s from Quaid-I-Azam University Islamabad in Defense and Strategic studies. He is an independent defense analyst and Ex. Vice president of Defense and Strategic Studies student’s society.
