Will Pakistan End Judicial Harassment of Human Rights Lawyers?
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Synopsis
A leading human rights organization demands an end to the judicial harassment faced by Pakistani lawyers Imaan Mazari-Hazir and Hadi Ali Chatta, claiming the case is fabricated due to their social media activities. Will the authorities respond to these calls for justice?
Key Takeaways
- Judicial harassment undermines the rule of law in Pakistan.
- Imaan Mazari-Hazir and Hadi Ali Chatta are facing serious allegations linked to their social media posts.
- Amnesty International has criticized the case, calling it a misuse of the justice system.
- The charges against them may infringe on their freedom of expression.
- Immediate action is necessary to protect human rights defenders in Pakistan.
Islamabad, Jan 17 (NationPress) A prominent human rights organization has urged the Pakistani government to cease the judicial harassment of lawyers Imaan Mazari-Hazir and Hadi Ali Chatta, branding the case against them as baseless and linked to their “anti-state” tweets.
The statement came after a directive from the Islamabad district and sessions court on Friday, which ordered law enforcement to apprehend both Imaan and Hadi “within 24 hours,” cautioning that failure to comply would constitute contempt of court.
Additionally, the court revoked their interim bail the day prior when they did not show up despite multiple summons, according to local media.
In response to the court's actions, Babu Ram Pant, Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director for South Asia, remarked, “The trial against Imaan Mazari-Hazir and Hadi Ali Chattha is a clear misuse of the legal system. Pakistani authorities must stop the judicial harassment and coercive measures aimed at silencing dissent and intimidating those who advocate for human rights.”
He further emphasized, “The charges of ‘cyber terrorism’ and other fabricated claims under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act against Imaan and Hadi are politically driven, effectively criminalizing their right to free speech. This expedited legal process is fraught with significant violations of their right to a fair trial, preventing them from attending proceedings and contesting evidence.”
Both Imaan and Hadi were reportedly indicted by an Islamabad court in October last year concerning alleged controversial social media posts.
Amnesty International disclosed that a case was lodged against them on August 12, 2025, under Pakistan’s Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, claiming that Imaan had shared content on her social media platform X account from 2021 to April 16, 2025, targeting major State Institutions of Pakistan, under sections regarding “cyber terrorism,” “hate speech,” and “false information.”
“The accusations against Imaan Mazari and Hadi Chattha are solely for exercising their human rights peacefully and fulfilling their professional roles. The authorities must immediately dismiss all charges against them and revoke the arrest orders. It is crucial to rectify this injustice, uphold the rule of law, and allow human rights defenders to perform their duties without fear of retaliation,” Pant underscored.
Point of View
It is crucial to support human rights defenders like Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chatta. The ongoing judicial harassment undermines the rule of law and the fundamental freedoms that should be guaranteed to all citizens, reflecting a troubling trend in the treatment of dissent in Pakistan.
NationPress
17/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the basis of the charges against Imaan Mazari and Hadi Chatta?
The charges stem from allegations of 'cyber terrorism' and other claims under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, related to their social media activity targeting state institutions.
Why is judicial harassment a concern?
Judicial harassment is concerning as it seeks to intimidate and silence individuals advocating for human rights, undermining the rule of law and freedom of expression.
What has Amnesty International said about this case?
Amnesty International has condemned the trial as an abuse of the justice system and has called for the immediate dropping of all charges against the lawyers.
