A day after the International Court of Justice (ICJ) suspended Kulbhushan Jadhav’s death sentence and granted consular access to him, Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan in his first reaction appreciated the ICJ decision of “not to acquit, release and return him”.
“Appreciate ICJ’s decision not to acquit, release & return Commander Kulbhushan Jadhav to India. He is guilty of crimes against the people of Pakistan. Pakistan shall proceed further as per law,” Imran Khan said in a tweet on Thursday.
The ICJ in its verdict on Wednesday said that Pakistan had breached Art 36 (1) of Vienna Convention by denying consular access to him.
“Jadhav’s death sentence should remain suspended until Pakistan effectively reviews and reconsiders the conviction or sentence in light of Pakistan’s breach of Article 36 (1), that is, denial of consular access and notification,” the ICJ stated.
The ICJ bench headed by Judge Abdulqawi Ahmed Yusuf ordered an “effective review and reconsideration” of the conviction and sentence of Jadhav.
Jadhav, 49, a retired Indian Navy officer, was sentenced to death by the Pakistani military court on charges of “espionage and terrorism” after a closed trial in April 2017. His sentencing evoked a sharp reaction in India following which New Delhi moved the world court.
