Sunday, December 30, 2018

Groundhog Day in Pakistan

Punxsutawney Phil
Yet again (this makes three), Pakistan is "considering" amending its Constitution to permit military courts to continue to try civilians. The government is preparing the requiring measure, according to this report, although it is not clear what political horse-trading will have to take place to secure the necessary votes. Meanwhile, the Chief of Army Staff has approved another 22 death sentences. Is the steady of approvals of death sentences against civilians intended to underscore the need to have this jurisdiction (which plainly violates human rights norms) or is it to empty death row on the chance that the current arrangement is not once again "temporarily" extended -- all while no action of any consequence has been taken to fix whatever needs to be fixed in the regular courts? How many "hardcore terrorists" does this country have?

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