Human rights lawyers in Pakistan get 10-year jail terms
An anti-terrorism court in Rawalpindi sentenced Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and Hadi Ali Chattha to concurrent 10-year terms over an alleged clash with security for England’s cricket team.
Anti-Terrorism Court Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra sentenced Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and Hadi Ali Chattha to 10 years each on Oct. 29 at Adiala Jail.
They were convicted under the Anti-Terrorism Act of 1997 and given concurrent lesser terms for obstructing and using force against public servants.
Prosecutors alleged they removed road barriers at Zero Point, Islamabad, on Oct. 25, 2024, during England’s cricket tour security arrangements.
The couple deny the charges, call themselves prisoners of conscience, and say the case targets their rights work; Amnesty International condemned the convictions.
They have been in custody since Jan. 23 in a separate case and were acquitted of intimidation, conspiracy and rioting charges in this trial.