Rights Lawyers Face Another Legal Battle Behind Bars
ISLAMABAD: The trial of human rights lawyers Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and her husband, Hadi Ali Chattha, in a security breach case concluded at Adiala Jail on Tuesday, with an anti-terrorism court (ATC) reserving its verdict for October 29.
The couple faces allegations linked to the disruption of an international cricket team’s security route and incitement to public unrest. They were accused of removing barriers along the route and were indicted on October 7. Both recorded their statements under Section 342 of the Code of Criminal Procedure on Tuesday, while the state counsel completed final arguments, reported by Dawn News.
Their legal troubles have drawn attention to the position of lawyers who defend human rights in Pakistan. Imaan and Hadi have represented victims of alleged human rights abuses free of charge, taking up cases for people seeking justice and accountability. Their supporters see their continued detention and mounting legal battles as a troubling moment for the country’s rights community. However, the allegations against them remain matters for the courts to decide.
A day before the trial concluded, the couple approached the Supreme Court to challenge an Islamabad High Court (IHC) order dated October 19, which declined to halt the proceedings. The high court had earlier issued notices on their appeals against the ATC’s rejection of petitions challenging the charges and the inclusion of terrorism-related provisions.
The couple has been in custody since January 23, following their arrest over a protest outside the IHC and allegations of manhandling the high court Bar Association president. Their arrest prompted criticism from rights groups, politicians and journalists, who called for a fair trial.
In a separate case involving controversial social media posts, a sessions court sentenced them to 17 years in prison under multiple charges linked to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act. Lawyers and UN experts condemned the convictions. On September 17, the Supreme Court suspended their sentences and ordered their release pending the IHC’s decision on their appeals.
The relief lasted only hours. Islamabad police arrested them again in connection with the security breach case, registered at Kohsar police station on March 22, 2025.
Now, another verdict awaits, with questions of justice, due process and the protection of human rights remaining firmly in the spotlight.
