'Misuse of criminal justice system': Over 20 rights groups call for Imaan, Hadi's release after latest sentencing
Dawn · News Desk ·
Seek end to "extensive misuse" of the criminal justice system following the couple's convictions in the security breach case.
Over 20 international human rights organisations, including Amnesty International, on Friday called on the government to “immediately and unconditionally” release human rights lawyer Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and her husband, Hadi Ali Chattha, after the two were sentenced in the security breach case.
On October 29, an antiterrorism court sentenced Imaan and Hadi to 10 years in prison each in the security breach case. The court also handed down one-year sentences and imposed fines of Rs50,000 each under Section 186 (obstructing a public servant in the discharge of public functions) of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC). They were also sentenced to two years each under Section 353 (assault or criminal force to deter a public servant from discharging his duty) of the PPC.
Earlier in the year, the two were also sentenced by a trial court to 17 years on multiple charges under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca) in the controversial social media posts case. The convictions were widely condemned by lawyers and United Nations experts.