The UK legal team acting ‘in the interests’ of former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf in his trial for treason today asked several UN special rapporteurs to review ‘serious irregularities’ around the tribunal.

Speaking at a press conference in London, 9 Bedford Row’s Stephen Kay QC condemned the decision to appoint a judge previously sacked by the former president when in power. ‘This case started with the hand-picking of judges and is not a fair and independent tribunal,’ Kay said.

Fellow 9 Bedford Row barrister Toby Cadman noted that Pakistan’s attorney general had ‘already commented on the outcome’ of the trial in one public statement.

Musharraf’s record on upholding the rule of law when in power was chequered.

In addition to the removal of members of the judiciary, he faced widespread demonstrations and strikes by lawyers concerned about the erosion of the rule of law, and political interference in the courts.

However, Kay argued that Musharraf (pictured) should be tried according to standards consistent with the rule of law, not according to the ‘rules’ that prevailed under his own tenure in office.