Pakistani Human Rights Lawyers Sentenced in Security Convoy Case

Legal Verdict in Islamabad

A Pakistani anti-terrorism court has sentenced human rights lawyers Imaan Mazari and her husband Hadi Ali Chattha to 10 years in prison. The conviction follows charges related to an incident during the England cricket team's tour of Pakistan on 25 October 2024.

Incident Details

Prosecutors alleged that the couple:

• Removed security barriers at Zero Point in Islamabad.
• Obstructed police officers managing the security convoy route for the England team.

The court issued a 10-year sentence under the Anti-Terrorism Act, along with additional terms for obstructing public servants. The sentences are to run concurrently, and each individual was fined 200,000 Pakistani Rupees. Both Mazari and Chattha have denied the charges.

Context of Legal Proceedings

The couple has been in custody for several months, previously held in Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail regarding separate legal challenges. These include a previous conviction—later suspended by the Supreme Court—related to social media posts critical of the military. Amnesty International has publicly criticized the proceedings, arguing that the couple was denied a fair trial and noting that hearings were conducted inside the prison.

Reaction and Appeals

Mazari and Chattha have maintained their innocence, describing themselves as "prisoners of conscience" facing state persecution due to their human rights work. Amnesty International’s Yasmine Ahmed stated that the convictions reflect significant issues within Pakistan's judicial process. The legal standing of the verdict and any potential for appeal remain active concerns for observers monitoring the case.