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Pls repost if you endorse the following statement prepared by civil society activists
*Demanding Justice for Adv. Imaan Mazari Hazir and Adv. Hadi Ali Chattha*
24 April 2026: We, members of the Civil Society of Pakistan, stand in unwavering support and solidarity with renowned lawyers, Adv. Imaan Mazari Hazir and Adv. Hadi Ali Chattha.
We strongly condemn the continued incarceration of both human rights lawyers. Despite urgent Petitions, 90 days have passed without court hearings or due process – after being unjustly sentenced to 17 years imprisonment and fines of Rs.36 million, following a sham trial – in violation of the Constitution, rule of law, fundamental human rights, and dignity of the legal profession.
*Human Rights, Health, Financial, Legal Implications*
Their imprisonment, including solitary confinement, has reached a critical threshold, with serious implications.
*Constitutional Violations, Unjust Punishment:* Their 17-year sentences, with huge fines on trivial charges, violate Pakistan Constitution Articles 4, 9, and 10-A, guaranteeing dignity and security of the person, due process, and right to a fair trial.
*Physical and Psychological Health:* Prolonged incarceration without due process imperils physical and psychological health, necessitating urgent medical intervention. The State’s imprisonment and separation of a married couple serves no purpose other than to inflict maximum emotional distress, violating their dignity and human rights.
*Financial Strangulation:* Imposing excessive fines, the State is effectively stripping them of their ability to sustain themselves upon their eventual release after 17 years.
*Silencing Voices of the Voiceless:* Both are renowned pillars as legal and human rights defenders – voices and bridges between the marginalized and the State.
*Grassroots Activism:* Both are at the forefront of social justice activism: protests, press conferences, media advocacy, conveying the voices of the vulnerable.
*Persecution of Rights Defenders:* Due to their brave work within the judicial system, a systematic strategy to crush the spirit of two young human rights defenders, legal professionals.
*Defending the Defenceless:* Both specialize in defending victims of *enforced disappearances* and false *blasphemy* accusations, taking cases on _pro bono_ basis to ensure legal representation.
*Breach of International Commitments:* UN Special Rapporteurs stated that charges of "cyber terrorism" are a blatant attempt to silence their professional work in Public Interest Litigation and human rights activism. Having ratified the ICCPR _(inter alia)_ Pakistan is thus in direct violation of its binding legal international commitments in this matter.
*Demands*
We call upon the Government of Pakistan and the Judiciary urgently to:
1. *Expedite Judicial Process:* We urge the judiciary to take up their Appeals and hear their cases on *merit*, releasing them on bail without further delay. *The State must not obstruct the swift dispensation of justice.*
2. *Withdraw Fabricated Charges:* The State must withdraw all "cyber terrorism" and "glorification of offense" charges under PECA 2016.
3. *Revoke Fine, Provide Compensation:* (a) Revocation of Rs.36 million fines; (b) Provision of relief and compensation for the physical and psychological trauma of their unjust incarceration.
4. *Comply with UN Obligations:* Ensure full compliance with the ICCPR and all recommendations of the UN Special Rapporteurs in this matter.
*A Plea to the Legal Community*
We commend the legal community for their strong Resolution (15 April 2026). We call upon Bar Associations and lawyers countrywide to also demonstrate solidarity and work jointly to obtain justice for their unjustly convicted, sentenced, imprisoned colleagues.
*If defenders of the law are not safe from misuse of the law, then no citizen is safe.*
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