The National Unity Platform (NUP) has defended the decision by some of its detained supporters to enter plea bargains, citing prolonged detention and repeated denial of bail as key factors influencing the move.
In a statement dated July 8, 2026, the opposition party said more than 150 of its supporters remain in custody over what it described as politically motivated charges.
According to NUP, several of those detained have spent years in prison without trial, prompting growing concern within the party’s leadership and legal teams.
NUP noted that its lawyers have consistently pursued legal avenues to secure the release of detainees, adding that hundreds had previously been freed following arrests during and after recent elections.
However, the party pointed to what it termed as increasing obstacles within the justice system, including alleged directives discouraging the granting of bail.
“Some of our comrades have opted to plead guilty or enter plea bargains for offences everyone knows they did not commit,” the statement read. The party emphasized that such decisions should not be interpreted as admissions of guilt, but rather as a pragmatic step taken to secure freedom after extended detention periods.
The party maintained that it does not encourage self-incrimination but acknowledged the difficult conditions faced by detainees.
It argued that plea bargaining, when conducted within the law, offers a faster route to release compared to prolonged legal battles.
NUP also called on its supporters and the public to understand the circumstances behind these decisions. The statement urged restraint from criticism, highlighting the psychological and physical toll of long-term detention without trial.
At the same time, the party praised those who have chosen to maintain their innocence and continue fighting their cases in court. It described them as “heroes” deserving of continued support and recognition.
The developments come amid ongoing scrutiny of the justice system and the treatment of political detainees, with human rights concerns increasingly shaping public debate around governance and rule of law.