Pakistan: Death penalty is derived from former military ruler Musharraf

The tyrant, convicted of treason for his decision to suspend the constitution in 2007 to extend his term, exiles in Dubai. The case against him is unusual in a country where the military has ruled, directly or indirectly, for most of the years

Pakistan: Death penalty is derived from former military ruler Musharraf

Former Pakistani military control of Farberz Musharraf was sentenced to death on Tuesday after being convicted by a special court of treason. The three judges convicted him of a case since 2013, but he was sentenced to death in his absence. Musharraf, who came to power in a 1999 military coup, is exiled in the United Arab Emirates. He ruled, as president, until 2008.

Musharraf, who was given permission to leave the state in 2016 for medical treatment, was convicted of treason following his decision to suspend the constitution in 2007, when he imposed an emergency in a move designed to extend his rule. Under the Pakistan Constitution, anyone convicted of treason may face capital punishment.

Earlier, he was re-issued a recorded statement from his hospital bed, describing the case against him as "underpinning." The general is the first ever military ruler in Pakistan to stand trial for violating the constitution. He resigned in 2008, following large protests against him and fearing impeachment.

When Nawaz Sharif, his veteran rival whom he ousted in the coup in 1999, was elected prime minister in 2013, he led the charge of treason against Musharraf, and in March 2014 he was formally charged. The courts rejected his argument that he acted in concert with the government and his ministers, and he was today convicted by a two-judge majority against one opponent. He refused to appear in numerous hearings, despite legal orders.

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Argues for political persecution. Musharraf (Photo: Reuters)

Former Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf (Photo: Reuters)

The prosecution of Musharraf was a significant moment in the country, where the military has had a great influence since it gained independence. Many of the military leaders controlled, directly or indirectly, the country after military coups, or had a great influence on the civilian government. The army is estimated to have followed precedent law closely.

Musharraf, who was elected Army chief of staff in 1998, faced a confrontation with then-Prime Minister Nawaz following a confrontation with India in May 1999, in what became known as the Cargill War, and he seized power in the coup. During his reign, Internationally for his part in the war on terror that the United States waged after the September 11 attacks, despite domestic opposition.