Musharraf handed death sentence under the man he removed in a coup

Pakistan’s former military leader, General Pervez Musharraf has been sentenced to death at a special court hearing in the capital, Islamabad.

The three-member court sentenced the ex-leader with a high treason charge that has been pending since 2013.

Gen. Musharraf seized power in a military coup in 1999 and served as the country’s president from 2001 to 2008.

The charge relates to Gen Musharraf’s suspension of the constitution in 2007 when he imposed emergency rule in a move intended to extend his tenure.

He is in Dubai after being allowed to leave the country for medical treatment in 2016.

He had earlier issued a video statement from a hospital bed, describing the case against him as “baseless”.

Gen Musharraf is the first military ruler to ever stand trial in Pakistan for overruling the constitution.

The verdict was announced Tuesday with a 2-1 majority.

Background of the case

In November 2007, Gen Musharraf suspended the constitution and imposed emergency rule – a move that sparked protests among the citizenry.

He resigned in 2008 to avoid the threat of impeachment.

Nawaz Sharif – an old rival whom he deposed in a coup in 1999 – was elected prime minister in 2013.

He initiated a treason trial against Gen Musharraf and in March 2014 the former general was charged for high treason.

Gen Musharraf argued the case was politically motivated and that the actions he took in 2007 were agreed by the government and cabinet.

But his arguments were turned down by the courts and he was accused of acting illegally.

According to the Pakistani constitution, anyone convicted of high treason could face the death penalty.

Gen Musharraf has been living in Dubai since 2016 and he has steadfastly refused to appear before the court, despite multiple orders.