ISLAMABAD (MNN); The Islamabad High Court on Wednesday fixed for hearing the appeals of human rights lawyer Imaan Mazari and her husband Hadi Ali Chattha against their conviction in the controversial social media posts case.
According to the cause list issued by the registrar’s office, Justice Muhammad Asif will hear the appeals on Thursday, February 19. Applications seeking suspension of their sentences have also been scheduled for hearing.
Last month, a sessions court in Islamabad sentenced the couple to a total of 17 years in prison under various provisions of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, triggering strong reactions from rights organisations, opposition parties and civil society groups.
In a written order, Additional District and Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka ruled that the prosecution had proven charges under Sections 9 (glorification of an offence), 10 (cyberterrorism) and 26-A (false information) of the law.
Under Section 9, both were awarded five years’ rigorous imprisonment and fined Rs5 million each, with an additional year in case of default. For Section 10, they were sentenced to 10 years’ rigorous imprisonment and fined Rs30 million each, with two additional years in default. Under Section 26-A, they received two years’ imprisonment and a Rs1 million fine each, along with six months’ extra jail time if the fine is not paid. All sentences are to run concurrently.
On February 7, the couple challenged the trial court’s verdict, arguing that the judgment was delivered in violation of established legal principles and mandatory procedures. They contended that the trial court issued its decision despite a pending application before the high court seeking transfer of the case, rendering the ruling unlawful and without jurisdiction.
The International Commission of Jurists and its partner organisations condemned the arrest and conviction in a joint statement issued on January 29, calling for their immediate release.
The United Nations Human Rights Office also expressed concern, describing the conviction and sentencing as deeply disturbing in light of fair trial concerns.
Similarly, European Union spokesperson for foreign affairs and security policy Anouar El Anouni said the convictions over social media activity undermined freedom of expression and the independence of lawyers, principles that are part of Pakistan’s international human rights commitments.
On February 4, five UN special rapporteurs — Margaret Satterthwaite, Ben Saul, Mary Lawlor, Irene Khan and Gina Romero — voiced alarm over the lengthy sentences. They stated that lawyers, like all individuals, are entitled to freedom of expression and warned that equating such expression with terrorism risks criminalising the work of lawyers and human rights defenders while creating a chilling effect on civil society.
