UN Experts Demand Immediate Release of Human Rights Lawyers Imaan and Hadi

ISLAMABAD: United Nations experts have called for the immediate release of human rights lawyers Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and her husband, Hadi Ali Chattha, expressing alarm over their recent re-arrest. The couple was sentenced to a total of 17 years in prison on January 24 under multiple charges related to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) due to their social media activities.

The Islamabad sessions court’s decision has drawn widespread condemnation from legal circles and human rights advocates, with UN experts labeling the charges as unfounded. Following their conviction, the couple’s sentences were suspended by the apex court on September 17, allowing their release on bail against surety bonds of Rs200,000 each. However, their subsequent re-arrest has raised serious concerns about the state of judicial independence and human rights in Pakistan.

This situation highlights the ongoing challenges faced by human rights defenders in Pakistan, where legal frameworks are often perceived as tools for political repression. The international community is closely monitoring the developments, with calls for the Pakistani government to uphold its commitments to human rights and ensure the protection of legal practitioners.

As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether the Pakistani authorities will heed the calls from the UN and other international bodies. Advocacy groups are expected to intensify their efforts to secure the couple’s release and challenge the legitimacy of the charges against them.