May 12 tragedy cases: Three accused acquitted by Karachi anti-terrorism court

A special Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Karachi has acquitted three accused in three cases related to the May 12, 2007 tragedy citing a lack of evidence.

A special Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Karachi has acquitted three accused in three cases related to the May 12, 2007 tragedy citing a lack of evidence.

The court acquitted former Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) sector in-charge Raees, Rizwan Chapati and Umair Siddiqui after hearing the cases. Prison authorities presented Raees and Rizwan Chapati before the court during the proceedings.

The cases date back to May 12, 2007 when Karachi witnessed deadly violence. The airport police had registered a case against the accused on the same day in connection with the incident.

Defence Raises Questions Over Evidence

According to defence lawyer Mushtaq Ahmed Advocate the prosecution failed to present solid evidence against the accused. He argued that inconsistencies in witnesses’ statements also weakened the cases against his clients.

The lawyer further stated that the legal requirements had not been fulfilled in connection with the accused persons’ confessional statements. He also maintained that no witness had identified the accused at the crime scene.

These arguments formed part of the defence’s position during the proceedings. The court subsequently acquitted the three men in all three cases due to insufficient evidence.

Meanwhile, six other cases linked to the May 12 tragedy remain under trial against former Karachi mayor Waseem Akhtar and others.

The latest court decision marks another development in the legal proceedings related to the violence that took place in Karachi on May 12, 2007. The cases have continued through the judicial process with courts examining the evidence and arguments presented by both sides.

The acquittal in these three cases was based on the lack of sufficient evidence according to the report. The separate proceedings involving Waseem Akhtar and other accused remain pending before the relevant court.

The May 12 incident remains a significant event in Karachi’s history and the ongoing cases continue to draw attention to the legal proceedings surrounding the violence.