Twenty-three international organizations—including Amnesty International—focused on human rights, the legal profession, and freedom of expression have called on Pakistani authorities to secure the “immediate and unconditional” release of human rights lawyer Imaan Mazari and her husband, Hadi Ali Chattha.
These organizations have demanded that necessary steps be taken to overturn the sentences imposed on the couple.
On October 29, an Anti-Terrorism Court in Islamabad sentenced both Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha to 10 years in prison each in a case involving a security breach.
Additionally, under Section 186 of the Pakistan Penal Code—which pertains to obstructing a public servant in the discharge of their duties—the court sentenced both individuals to one year of imprisonment and a fine of 50,000 rupees each.
The international organizations assert that the proceedings and sentences against Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha must be reviewed, and that they should be released immediately.
The organizations have urged Pakistani authorities to ensure that fundamental human rights and the principles of freedom of expression are upheld in all legal proceedings involving human rights defenders, lawyers, and those advocating for freedom of expression.
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