Death sentences of soldiers accused of mutiny, commuted to 10 years in jail

The death sentences by firing squad passed on 66 soldiers in January and March 2015 by separate General Court Martials have been commuted to 10 years imprisonment each. 71 soldiers were arraigned on several charges.

The charges include Criminal Conspiracy, Conspiracy to commit mutiny, Mutiny, Attempt to Commit an Offence (Murder), Disobedience to Particular Orders, Insubordinate Behavior and False Accusation, amongst others.

Out of the 71 soldiers, 66 were found guilty and convicted on other charges which included mutiny. They’re subsequently sentenced to death. 5 were discharged and acquitted and 1 was given 28 days Imprisonment with Hard Labour.

But following series of petitions, the Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Tukur Yusufu Buratai, ordered a legal review of the cases after which he commuted their death sentences to 10 years jail term.