Pakistan Court Sentences Rights Couple to 10 Years

A Pakistani anti-terrorism court on Oct. 29, 2026 sentenced human rights lawyers Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha to 10 years in prison each over allegations they removed road barriers along a security route during England’s cricket team visit to Islamabad in October 2024. Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra delivered the verdict inside Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, with concurrent one- and two-year terms for obstructing and assaulting government servants and Rs100,000 fines each under the Anti-Terrorism Act. The couple denied the charges. In statements seen by Reuters they said, “We are prisoners of conscience,” and that they were targeted for human rights work. Mazari told the court, per Dawn, “I am a prisoner of conscience who has been at the receiving end of state persecution,” and alleged she was held in a cage during the jail trial. A court document quoted them saying they were “being made an example to further cement the chilling effect against those who stand (or want to stand) against tyranny, oppression and injustice.” Shireen Mazari told Reuters they “were not permitted to defend themselves through their own lawyer, and were not provided with key legal documents,” and said, “We will file a petition against the verdict in the Supreme Court.” Human Rights Watch urged authorities to “stop using criminal prosecutions to punish lawyers engaged in peaceful dissent.” Amnesty International called the rearrest a “terrible injustice” and the charges “not only absurd but an insult to their lifelong commitment to human rights.” Law minister Azam Nazeer Tarar has said the judiciary is independent. Defense lawyer Aimal Mandokhail’s postponement request before the verdict was overruled. The Islamabad High Court had declined to halt the trial on Oct. 19. An appeal to the Supreme Court is planned.