Rawalpindi (TDI): Mercy petitions submitted by 19 individuals convicted for their involvement in the May 9 protests have been approved, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) announced on Thursday.
“Following the issuance of punishments to those convicted in the May 9 Tragedy, the convicts have exercised their right to appeal and requested mercy or reduction in their sentences,” the ISPR stated.
It further said that a total of 67 convicts had submitted mercy petitions, with forty-eight of these petitions processed to Courts of Appeal.
It added that the petitions of 19 convicts have been accepted “solely on humanitarian grounds and in accordance with the law.”
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“They all shall be released after completion of procedural formalities,” the statement said.
Mercy Petitions of Remaining Convicts
The press release also said that the mercy petitions of the remaining convicts would be decided in due course, following the legal process.
It said all those convicted retain their right to appeal and pursue other legal remedies as per the constitution and law.
“The remission of punishments is an evidence of the strength of the due process and fairness, which guarantees that justice is served while also taking into account the values of mercy and compassion,” the ISPR concluded.
Last month, military courts sentenced sixty more civilians to prison terms for their roles in violent attacks on military installations during the countrywide protests on May 9, 2023.
The sentences come just days after the ISPR announced that 25 civilians had been handed jail terms for their involvement in the same events.
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The ISPR stated that the individuals were convicted for their role in violent attacks on key military and government facilities, including the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi, the Corps Commander House in Lahore, the ISI office in Faisalabad, and Bannu Cantt, among others.
