Five United Nations special rapporteurs have expressed worry about the ongoing criminal cases against human rights lawyers Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and Hadi Ali Chattha in Pakistan. They fear that the charges brought against them might be used to stifle legal advocacy and freedom of expression, as reported by local media. The UN experts highlighted their concerns in a formal communication to the Pakistani government, specifically addressing the convictions of the two lawyers under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016.
On January 24, a court in Pakistan handed down a combined 17-year prison sentence to the two lawyers under Sections 9, 10, and 26-A of the law. Additionally, each lawyer was fined 36 million Pakistani Rupees (PKR). Despite at least 10 First Information Reports (FIRs) being filed against Mazari since 2022, none have led to a conviction, according to the UN communication. These cases involve various allegations, including protests against enforced disappearances, criticism of military leadership, and arrests under the Anti-Terrorism Act.
The UN special rapporteurs believe that the legal actions against Mazari and Chattha suggest a targeting of the lawyers due to their professional work and advocacy for human rights. They have raised concerns about procedural irregularities during the court proceedings, such as the defendants allegedly not being informed about the FIR, important documents not being provided to the defense, issuance of non-bailable warrants, and recording of statements in the absence of the accused and their legal representatives.
The UN experts have cautioned that associating freedom of expression with terrorism-related charges could lead to the criminalization of the efforts of human rights activists. They have urged Pakistani authorities to address the reported violations, ensure fair trial guarantees, and amend the PECA legislation to align with international human rights standards. The communication to Pakistan marks the 17th formal correspondence sent by the UN regarding concerns over pressures faced by lawyers, journalists, and civil society actors in the country.
