Pervez Musharraf, a former Pakistani military ruler, was sentenced to death, Fox News reported. The Supreme court announced its verdict, an unbelievable move in a state where the army is often considered immune from prosecution.
Pervez Musharraf who lives in exile was sentenced to death Tuesday after being found guilty of treason. The former military leader has ruled Pakistan for half its 72-year history but the democratic government’s court decided he is guilty in many charges.
Mr Musharraf is a 76-year-old ex-politician who has lately spent most of his time between Dubai and London. Over the years, he has been in self-imposed exile ever since a travel ban was lifted in 2016 that allowed him to seek medical treatment abroad.
In fact, the trial began in 2013, the judges did their best to investigate whether Musharraf’s decision to suspend the constitution and impose emergency rule in 2007, was legitimate. Twelve years ago, the ruler’s move sparked widespread protests against him, ultimately leading to his resignation in the face of impeachment proceedings.
According to Musharraf’s lawyer, the former politician and general finds the court’s decision “extraordinary”. Meanwhile, many Pakistanis hail the verdict, which demonstrates that there are many democratic transformations in the country.
Tuesday’s ruling is the latest court decision to target Musharraf while he has been in exile.
Following the court’s decision Tuesday, son of murdered in 2007 Benazir Bhutto, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari tweeted: “Democracy is the best revenge”.
