Court releases Afzal Pahat in sedition case, denies release to Ejaz Chaudhry and Mian Mahmoodur Rasheed
9 May protest. Photo: ANADOLU AGENCY
LAHORE:
The Lahore High Court on Tuesday issued a split judgment in appeals seeking a stay of convictions in the May 9 cases, suspending the sentence of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader Afzal Azeem Pahat, while rejecting similar pleas by Ejaz Chaudhry and Mian Mahmoodur Rasheed.
A two-judge bench headed by Justice Shahbaz Rizvi heard the appeals against sentences handed down by an Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Lahore, which had sentenced the accused to 10 years imprisonment in cases related to the May 9 riots.
The court suspended Pahat’s sentence in the Sherpao Bridge riot and arson case and ordered his release.
The bench rejected four applications filed by Chaudhry and one by Rasheed seeking suspension of their sentences in similar cases.
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During the trial, defense lawyer Barrister Mian Ali Ashfaq argued that the ATC verdicts contradicted the facts and that the convicts had already spent over two and a half years in prison and requested a stay of the sentences pending final decisions in the main appeal.
The special prosecutor opposed the plea, claiming 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 judgment and later announced the verdict.
