Court releases Afzal Pahat in riot case, denies relief to Ejaz Chaudhry and Mian Mahmoodur Rasheed
May 9 protest. Photo: AGENCIA ANADOLU
LAHORE:
The Lahore High Court on Tuesday delivered a split verdict on appeals seeking suspension of sentences in the May 9 riot cases, suspending the sentence of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader Afzal Azeem Pahat and rejecting similar pleas by Ejaz Chaudhry and Mian Mahmoodur Rasheed.
A two-member bench headed by Justice Shahbaz Rizvi heard appeals against the convictions handed down by an Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Lahore, which had sentenced the accused to 10 years in prison in cases related to the May 9 riots.
The court suspended Pahat’s sentence in a Sherpao Bridge riot and arson case and ordered his release.
The court dismissed four applications filed by Chaudhry and one by Rasheed seeking suspension of their sentences in similar cases.
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During the proceedings, defense lawyer Mian Ali Ashfaq argued that the ATC verdicts were contrary to the facts and that the convicts had already spent more than two and a half years in prison, requesting the suspension of the sentences until the main appeals were finally decided.
The special prosecutor disputed the allegations, maintaining that the May 9 incidents were part of a premeditated conspiracy aimed at destabilizing the country.
After hearing arguments from both sides, the court reserved its decision and later announced the verdict.
