Escalating Judicial Harassment of Islamabad Lawyers Sparks Alarm Over Fair Trial and Free Speech Rights in Pakistan
- Human Rights Research Center
- 2 hours ago
- 3 min read
Author: Aamnah Fatima Khan
December 9, 2025
HRRC strongly condemns the ongoing judicial harassment of Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha, which clearly violates their rights to free expression, fair trial and independent legal representation. We urge authorities to end the retaliatory proceedings immediately and ensure that lawyers and journalists can speak without fear of punishment.
![Police officials presents arrested lawyer and human rights activist Imaan Mazari-Hazir, center, before a court in Islamabad, Pakistan on August 20, 2023. [Image credit: AFP/File]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/e28a6b_d14fd4d69dd34254b8fc24879ec46c85~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_49,h_29,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_avif,quality_auto/e28a6b_d14fd4d69dd34254b8fc24879ec46c85~mv2.png)
The case of human rights lawyer Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and her spouse, Hadi Ali Chattha, has become a significant human rights concern, marked by alleged violations of fair trial standards, freedom of expression and judicial independence.
Both Mazari-Hazir and Cattha were accused by Pakistan’s National Cybercrime Investigation Agency of posting critical tweets that allegedly incited linguistic divisions and created the impression that the armed forces were involved in terrorism within Pakistan. These allegations, rooted in the rights of the defendants to express themselves online, place their trial squarely within concerns of shrinking civic space and repression of dissent in the country.
The case shows several problems in how the trial has been conducted. The couple objected to a statement filed under Section 342 of the Criminal Procedure Code, which defines the stage in which the accused must be allowed to explain the evidence against them in their own words. Mazari-Hazir and Cattha said that the statement was submitted without informing them, denying them their rights in a fair trial. The defendants have asked the court to let them record their statements properly and present their defense witnesses, which include journalists, poets and other well-known individuals, but their requests were denied.
It is further noted that the court refused their objections to a state-appointed lawyer whom they did not trust, raising concerns about their right to choose their own legal representation.
International legal bodies, including Lawyers for Lawyers, the International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute, and the International Commission of Jurists, issued a strong condemnation of the “ongoing judicial harassment,” stating that the charges and trial appear retaliatory and designed to obstruct their legitimate human rights work.
Domestically, the Islamabad Bar Association condemned the denial of defense rights and announced a strike in protest. As the trial nears its conclusion, Mazari and Chattha have petitioned the Islamabad High Court seeking the transfer of the case due to a lack of transparency. They now face the possibility of 7 to 14 years in prison, with the final decision expected on Monday.
Taken together, the proceedings point to a broader pattern of suppressing dissent, restricting free speech and threatening lawyers who challenge state institutions, an alarming erosion of Pakistan’s human rights commitments.
Glossary
Allegedly –used to convey that something is claimed to be the case or have taken place, although there is no proof.
Charges – official claims by the state that someone has committed a crime.
Civic space – the environment where people can freely speak, organize and take part in public life.
Condemnation – strong disapproval of something wrong or unfair.
Defense Witnesses – Provides facts or perspectives that back up the accused's version of events.
Dissent – expressing disagreement with those in power.
Erosion – slow damage or weakening of something, such as rights or freedoms.
Freedom of Expression – the fundamental human right to voice opinions, ideas and information freely, without suppression or fear of punishment.
Incited – encouraged or pushed someone to do something, often negatively.
Judicial Independence – is the principle that courts and judges should operate free from improper influence by other government branches (executive, legislature), political groups, or private interests.
Legal representation – when a licensed lawyer or advocate acts on behalf of a client to assist with legal matters, such as appearing in court, drafting documents, providing advice and negotiating settlements.
Linguistic divisions – tensions or conflicts between people based on language differences.
Petitioned – formally asked a court or authority to take action.
Transparency – openness; being clear and honest about actions and decisions.
Strike – a refusal to work organized by a body of employees as a form of protest.
Retaliatory – done to punish someone for speaking or acting against authority.
Repression – using force or pressure to silence people or limit their freedoms.
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