Imaan Mazari, Hadi Chattha win global Human Rights Prize

Human rights lawyer Imaan Zainab Mazari and her husband Hadi Ali Chattha have been awarded the Ludovic Trarieux International Human Rights Prize.

Human rights lawyer Imaan Zainab Mazari and her husband Hadi Ali Chattha have been awarded the Ludovic Trarieux International Human Rights Prize.

The award recognises lawyers who have made an exceptional contribution to human rights, the rule of law, and the protection of marginalised communities.

The prize is regarded as one of the oldest and most prestigious international honours for legal professionals. It is awarded annually to lawyers who actively fight intolerance, racism, and injustice through their professional work.

The award ceremony was held in Rome at the National Bar Council’s Parlamentino Hall. Representatives of European legal bodies and human rights organisations attended the event.

According to the awarding body, the couple were recognised for their legal and human rights work in Pakistan. The statement highlighted that they have worked under increasing pressure faced by lawyers and rights defenders in the country.

It further noted that their contribution reflects strong commitment to fundamental freedoms, rule of law, and access to justice.

Imaan Mazari and Hadi Chattha are currently serving prison sentences in Pakistan in connection with a case involving social media posts.

Authorities had accused them of sharing and reposting content considered “anti-state” under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016.

The case was registered by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency. It alleged that the content was aimed at creating divisions and damaging state institutions.

The trial included multiple legal challenges regarding procedure and fair defence rights. Their legal team had raised concerns over absence during evidence recording and appointment of state counsel.

The case has moved through different stages, including hearings in the Islamabad High Court and petitions before the Supreme Court.

Meanwhile, additional FIRs were also registered against the couple in separate incidents linked to protests and public gatherings.

The couple were arrested in January 2025 near Islamabad while travelling to court. They were later placed under judicial remand.

A district and sessions court later sentenced both to 17 years in prison each.

The sentence included penalties under various sections of PECA, along with heavy fines. The court also issued additional jail terms in case of non-payment.

They were acquitted of one hate speech charge due to insufficient evidence from prosecution witnesses.

During proceedings, allegations of mistreatment in custody were also raised by the accused, while court hearings continued through video link.