Imaan Mazari, a 32-year-old human rights lawyer, and her husband Hadi Ali Chattha were sentenced to 10 years in prison by an Islamabad court after being convicted on three counts, including "cyber terrorism." The couple were re-arrested en route to a hearing amid videoed scenes of masked officers blocking journalists. Supporters and legal figures warn the ruling risks chilling peaceful criticism and comes as Pakistan tightens laws that observers say curb political and civil rights.
Prominent Rights Lawyer Imaan Mazari and Husband Jailed 10 Years Over Social Media Posts
Human rights lawyer Imaan Mazari (R) with her husband and fellow lawyer Hadi Ali Chattha (L) were handed 10-year prison terms for anti-state social media posts (Aamir QURESHI)(Aamir QURESHI/AFP/AFP)
An Islamabad court on Saturday sentenced human rights lawyer Imaan Mazari, 32, and her husband, fellow lawyer Hadi Ali Chattha, to 10 years in prison after finding them guilty of posting what the court described as "anti-state" content on social media.
The court said the couple were convicted on three counts, including "cyber terrorism" and "intentional dissemination of false and fake information," and that the sentences will run concurrently. A formal court statement said both will "have to remain in jail for 10 years."
Re-arrest and Video Footage
The ruling followed the couple's re-arrest as they traveled to a hearing in the capital. Video clips circulating on social media show police vans escorting a vehicle from a bar association that was carrying Mazari; the convoy was stopped at an underpass where masked security personnel prevented journalists from filming the detention.
Legal Work and Background
Mazari is the daughter of former human rights minister Shireen Mazari and the late renowned paediatrician who served in Pakistan. She has worked pro bono on several sensitive matters, including enforced disappearance cases affecting ethnic Baloch communities and has represented prominent Baloch activist Mahrang Baloch. Mazari has also defended people accused of blasphemy and Afghans facing state crackdowns.
Reactions
Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, Senate opposition leader, said the convictions were imposed "solely for social media posts criticizing what they saw as state abuses and advocating for marginalized communities," calling the ruling a "chilling message" for peaceful advocacy.
Syed Wajid Ali Shah Gillani, president of the Islamabad High Court Bar Association, said in a video statement that police had manhandled the couple before detaining them. Mazari told AFP she and her husband had feared arrest on undisclosed cases and described any detention as a "grave injustice."
Wider Context
Rights groups and legal observers have warned that recent constitutional amendments and hastily passed laws have strengthened state control in Pakistan and eroded political and civil freedoms. The case has drawn attention to press freedom, digital speech laws, and the security establishment's role in policing dissent.
Current Status: The couple had been staying on the Islamabad High Court premises after being granted bail in a cybercrime case; they were re-arrested ahead of the sentencing hearing. Further legal steps and appeals may follow as their lawyers consider options.
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