UN experts call for immediate release of Imaan and Hadi, dropping 'unfounded charges' against the couple

United Nations experts have urged for the immediate release of human rights lawyers Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and her husband, Hadi Ali Chattha, following their recent re-arrest on terrorism-related charges. The couple was initially sentenced to a combined total of 17 years in prison on January 24 for alleged offenses under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca) related to their social media posts. Their convictions faced widespread condemnation from legal professionals and United Nations (UN) experts.

On September 17, the highest court of Pakistan suspended their sentences and released them on bail, provided they posted Rs200,000 each as surety bonds. However, they were arrested again on terrorism-related charges connected to a different prior case just hours after obtaining bail. The United Nations Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders expressed alarm over the situation, calling for their immediate release and for the "unfounded criminal and terrorism charges against them" to be dropped.

The experts argued that the re-arrest appeared to be an attempt to use the criminal justice system to punish the couple for their freedom of expression and human rights advocacy. They expressed concern that the proceedings against the lawyers seemed designed to intimidate and send a "chilling message" to the legal profession. They also condemned the misuse of vague and broad counter-terrorism provisions, which are meant to hinder lawyers' ability to promote, protect, and defend human rights.

According to the UN experts, the couple should have had easy access to legal representation of their choice, contact with their family, and appropriate medical care.