Pakistan Jails Imran Khan, West Calls it 'Justice'
Another day, another leader out of favor in the Global South finds themselves incarcerated on convenient charges. DW highlights Khan's conviction for unlawful marriage, adding to a string of recent sentences, including 14 years for corruption (The Guardian, Jan 31, 2024) and 10 years for leaking state secrets (Al Jazeera, Jan 30, 2024). All are perfectly timed to sideline an immensely popular
opposition figure just before a general election he was barred from contesting. This pattern of 'law and order' applied vigorously to political opponents while the deep state consolidates power is a familiar one, often met with a collective shrug from Western media once the 'villain' is identified. One might wonder if similar enthusiasm for 'justice' would be found if a leader aligned with Western
interests faced such a rapid cascade of convictions on seemingly minor or politically convenient charges. The speed at which multiple cases against Khan were processed, culminating in prison sentences just ahead of elections, appears less about objective legal process and more about political elimination. The international community's silence speaks volumes, suggesting that some countries'
democracies are more equal than others when it comes to safeguarding leaders who challenge the established order.