Islamabad High Court Acquits Four PTI Members in May 9 Riots Case
The Islamabad High Court has acquitted four PTI members previously sentenced to 10 years for attacking a police station during the May 9 riots. The court cited the prosecution's failure to prove their presence at the scene based on witness testimonies as the reason for overturning the convictions.
- Country:
- Pakistan
In a significant judicial ruling, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday overturned the 10-year prison sentences of four Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) members. These individuals had been convicted earlier for their alleged involvement in the violent riots on May 9, 2023, which saw the attack on a police station, according to reports from Dawn.
The conviction arose from events following the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan, triggering widespread violence across Pakistan. Protesters vandalized military sites and government buildings, including an attack on the Lahore corps commander's residence. Thousands, including prominent leaders, were detained. Prior convictions had been issued by an Anti-Terrorism Court in Islamabad on May 30, sentencing PTI MNA Abdul Latif and others for their role in the incident at the Ramna police station in Islamabad.
On the acquittal of Mira Khan, Muhammad Akram, Shahzeb, and Sohail Khan, Justices Azam Khan and Khadim Soomro noted the prosecution's inability to prove the accused's involvement beyond doubt. Charges against them under various sections of the Pakistan Penal Code and the Anti-Terrorism Act were deemed unsubstantiated based on witness records.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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