Pakistani court jails 20 Imran Khan supporters for role in May 9 riots

A Pakistani anti-terrorism court has sentenced 20 supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan to six months in prison for their involvement in riots that erupted across the country on May 9, 2023, following Khan’s arrest.

The convicted individuals, co-accused in the same case as Khan, admitted to attacking the Tarnol Railway Station in the capital region.

The assault involved setting fire to the building, damaging windows and doors, and destroying official computers and records. The court described the act as a “coordinated and deliberate attack” linked to widespread unrest orchestrated by elements within the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party.

According to court documents, the accused confessed to their roles under Section 164 of Pakistan’s Criminal Procedure Code and acknowledged that the PTI leadership incited them. They stated they were "misled and emotionally charged" following Khan’s dramatic arrest on corruption charges by paramilitary forces. The confessions were accepted as voluntary and made without duress.

The 20 men, who had been out on bail for two years, expressed regret during the trial and claimed they had received neither financial nor legal support from the PTI leadership since the incident.

Describing themselves as poor laborers, they requested leniency, saying they could not bear further financial penalties.

The court sentenced each to six months of rigorous imprisonment and imposed fines of PKR 50,000.

Orders were issued for their immediate transfer to Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi. The court also directed the prison authorities to ensure the swift implementation of the sentences.

Separately, six other individuals linked to the same case have been declared absconders. The court has issued permanent arrest warrants for them and ordered the cancellation of their national identity cards and passports. Authorities have initiated the seizure of their movable and immovable properties.

The May 9 riots were triggered by Khan’s arrest, which led to some of the worst civil unrest Pakistan had seen in decades.

PTI supporters launched violent protests targeting military installations, police stations, and public infrastructure. The government responded with a nationwide crackdown on PTI leadership and activists.

Thousands were arrested, and several cases—including charges of sedition and terrorism—were filed against Khan and his associates.