Rumours on social media claim that the United Nations has declared all cases against former Prime Minister Imran Khan illegal and demanded his immediate release. However, this needs to be more accurate.
The United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention stated that Imran Khan’s detention and prosecution in the first Toshakhana and Cypher cases lacked legal basis and were politically motivated to exclude him from the political process.
Social media users misinterpreted this news, spreading rumours that the UN demanded Imran Khan’s immediate release.
The UN body adopted its opinion during its 99th session from March 18-27, as per a document dated June 18. The working group highlighted numerous legal inconsistencies and irregularities in the court proceedings against Imran Khan. Assessing whether his detention was arbitrary.
The working group concluded that his detention had no legal basis and seemed intended to disqualify him from running for political office. It expressed concern over Imran Khan’s conviction in the first Toshakhana case. Especially the summary judgment delivered in absentia and his subsequent arrest. Where law enforcement personnel broke into his residence and assaulted him and his staff.
Regarding the cypher case, the working group noted that his prosecution lacked legal grounding, as his actions did not appear to violate the Official Secrets Act, corroborated by intelligence services based on unrebutted submissions.
Key Points:
- The UN did not demand Imran Khan’s immediate release.
- The UN Working Group found his detention and prosecution lacked legal basis and were politically motivated.
- Social media rumours misrepresented the UN’s findings.
- In Imran Khan’s case, the UN expressed concerns over legal irregularities and political repression.
