By Salma El-Sakka
A Pakistani anti-terrorism court has sentenced two prominent human rights lawyers to 10 years in prison each for allegedly removing security barricades along the route designated for the England cricket team during its visit to Islamabad in October 2024.
Closed-door trial and charges
The conviction of Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and her husband, Hadi Ali Chattha, followed a closed-door trial held inside Adiala jail in Rawalpindi. Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra found the couple guilty of endangering the visiting team's security and obstructing police officers under sections of Pakistan's Anti-Terrorism Act.
Sentencing details
Each defendant received a 10-year term under the Anti-Terrorism Act, a one-year term for obstructing public servants, and a two-year term for assault or criminal force against public officials. All sentences run concurrently, and each was fined PKR 200,000 (£540). The court acquitted them of separate charges including criminal intimidation, conspiracy and rioting.
Defense and allegations of unfair trial
The couple denied the allegations, stating they were targeted for their human rights advocacy. During the trial they described themselves as “prisoners of conscience” and said they were made to appear from behind a cage-like structure that prevented effective communication with their lawyers and the judge.
International condemnation
Amnesty International condemned the convictions as an indictment of Pakistan's justice system. Senior director Yasmine Ahmed said the anti-terrorism charges were being used to punish the pair for their human rights work and urged authorities to release them and drop all charges.
Previous arrests and ongoing legal battles
The lawyers were arrested on 23 January in a separate case linked to social media posts criticising the military and expressing solidarity with Baloch and Pashtun activists. A sessions court sentenced them to 17 years each under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, but the Supreme Court suspended those sentences on 17 September. Police re-arrested the couple the same day in connection with the barricade case before they could be released. The family plans to challenge the latest verdict before the Supreme Court.
