Pakistani military courts sentence six men to death

Reuters/Islamabad

Pakistan's new military courts have sentenced six men to death for involvement in terrorism, the military spokesman said on Thursday.

"Army Chief confirms death sentence of 6 hard core terrorists tried by the recently established military courts," Major General Asim Bajwa said in a message on Twitter.

The six had been involved in "a heinous act of terror", manslaughter and suicide bombing, he added. Their identities were not given and the exact charges were unclear. The military did not respond to requests for comment.

The men would have the right to appeal, Bajwa said. It was unclear whether this would be in a civilian or military court.

Pakistan established nine military courts in January after Taliban gunmen attacked a school in Peshawar, killing 134 pupils and 19 adults. The courts expanded the military's powers, giving them the authority to try civilians accused of terrorism.

The Interior Ministry said last month more than 50 cases had been sent to the military courts. It did not release details.