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Journalists and activists condemn harsh sentencing of lawyers
JournalismPakistan.com | Published: 27 January 2026 | JP Staff Report
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A coalition of journalists and rights activists condemned the 17-year sentences for lawyers Imaan Zainab Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha as an attempt to silence defenders, demanding the charges be quashed and warning about the cybercrime agency's influence.Summary
ISLAMABAD — A coalition of veteran journalists and human rights activists has strongly criticized the sentencing of Imaan Zainab Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha, calling it a serious blow to Pakistan’s justice system. The conviction, which carries a total of 17 years of rigorous imprisonment, has drawn widespread condemnation from legal and media circles.
Journalists and activists said the case appears to be a targeted effort to silence lawyers defending citizens against human rights violations.
The two lawyers, known for representing victims of enforced disappearances and blasphemy accusations, were found guilty of "cyberterrorism" and "glorification of an offense" for statements made on social media. Observers say the National Cyber Crime Investigation Authority’s role in the case highlights growing concerns about state influence over digital expression.
Signatories, including Hussain Naqi, Zahid Hussain, Farhatullah Babar, Mustansar Javaid, and Mazhar Abbas, Anwar Iqbal, Ali Ahmad Khan, Mazhar Abbas, Dr. Nazir Mahmood, Dr. Touseef Ahmed Khan, Nasir Zaidi, Asmatullah Niazi, Munizae Jahangir, Sohail Sangi, Nasir Malick, Adnan Rehmat, Iqbal Khattak, Fazil Jamili, Tahir Hasan, G.N. Mughal, Waris Raza, Habib Khan Ghori, Fouzia Shahid, Saleem Shahid, Ayub Jan Sarhandi, Abdul Sattar, Mohammed Riaz, Sardar Liaquat, Jamil Ahmed, and Ayub Malik among others, demanded a fair trial and immediate quashing of what they described as fabricated charges.
In a joint statement, the group said, "The conviction undermines due process and weaponizes the legal system against those who challenge abuses of power. Allowing this verdict to stand threatens to intimidate lawyers, journalists, and citizens, curtailing fundamental freedoms and weakening constitutional norms."
WHY THIS MATTERS: This case underscores the heightened risks for journalists and legal professionals in Pakistan when reporting on or defending sensitive human rights issues. Media organizations should be aware of how state instruments can be used to suppress dissent, shaping newsroom practices around digital expression and legal reporting.
PHOTO: By Sergei Tokmakov, Esq. https://Terms.Law from Pixabay
Key Points
- Two lawyers received a combined 17 years of rigorous imprisonment.
- Convictions cited alleged cyberterrorism and glorification of an offense on social media.
- Journalists and activists say the case targets lawyers who defend victims of disappearances and blasphemy accusations.
- Signatories demanded a fair trial, quashing of charges and raised concerns over the National Cyber Crime Investigation Authority's role.
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