Human rights lawyers Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha were sentenced to 10 years in prison by an anti-terrorism court in Pakistan on October 29, 2026. The court in Islamabad convicted the lawyers for alleged involvement in a case related to the 2025 protests against government policies. The lawyers had been representing activists accused of inciting violence during the demonstrations.
The sentencing comes amid heightened political tensions in Pakistan, where the government has increasingly used anti-terrorism laws to suppress dissent. The lawyers were part of a broader legal campaign defending human rights activists and journalists. Their case has drawn international attention, with human rights organizations criticizing the use of national security charges against peaceful advocacy.
The 2025 protests, which began as a response to economic hardship and government corruption, led to widespread unrest and a crackdown on dissent. The legal actions against the lawyers are seen as part of a broader effort to limit political opposition. The case highlights the challenges faced by human rights defenders in Pakistan, where legal proceedings often lack transparency and due process.
The sentencing underscores the ongoing restrictions on free speech and the rule of law in the country. International observers have called for an independent investigation into the case, emphasizing the need for judicial accountability. The situation reflects a pattern of using legal mechanisms to silence critics, raising concerns about the state of civil liberties in Pakistan.
