The bail of Pakistani lawyers and human rights defenders Imaan Mazari-Hazir and Hadi Ali Chattha was recently canceled, accompanied by an order for their immediate arrest in a case linked to alleged “anti-state” tweets. Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director for South Asia, Babu Ram Pant, condemned the proceedings as a misuse of the justice system. He emphasized that these actions constitute judicial harassment intended to intimidate human rights defenders and silence dissent.
The charges against Imaan and Hadi, including accusations under Pakistan’s Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, have been described as politically motivated. Amnesty International has highlighted that these allegations effectively criminalize the exercise of freedom of expression. The legal process has reportedly been rushed and marred by serious violations, denying the accused the right to attend court proceedings and challenge the evidence against them.
These developments underscore growing concerns about the use of the legal system in Pakistan to suppress human rights advocacy. Observers argue that ending coercive judicial tactics is essential to uphold fundamental rights, protect civil society actors, and maintain the integrity of the justice system.
