WASHINGTON: The United States has urged Pakistan to ensure that its decision to try civilian terrorism suspects in military courts is “consistent with principles of due process”.

At a US State Department news briefing, spokesperson Jen Psaki also asked Pakistan to provide more information about the move but refrained from condemning it.

The issue has been raised at the State Department’s news briefings several times since last week, when Pakistan began the process of amending its laws to try civilian terrorism suspects in military courts. But the department avoided getting involved in the controversy, although several European governments and key human rights groups have criticised the decision.

Also read:Military courts: a wrong move

But when the Pakistani parliament made the required amendments on Wednesday, the State Department was ready with a carefully worded response.

“We’re seeking additional information as the Pakistani government adopts measures necessary to institute them,” Ms Psaki said.

“We support efforts to counter terrorism and bring perpetrators to justice, but we believe it’s important that efforts be consistent with principles of due process.”

Ms Psaki said the United States would continue to engage with the government of Pakistan on a range of these issues and seek information on this vote in the Pakistani parliament.

“I think we’re exploring and looking to receive a little bit more information so we can address or explore that question,” said the US official when asked if Washington was concerned that due process of law might not be followed in these courts.

A journalist reminded her that the Obama administration was trying to move away from the practice, established by the previous administration, of trying terrorism suspects in military courts.

“Why would you then need to even think twice about a Pakistani move to go to military tribunals?” the journalist asked.

“We just don’t have more details on what exactly this is, so we are seeking those, and I expect we’ll have more to say once we do,” Ms Psaki said.

Published in Dawn, January 9th, 2015

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