7 hrs ago
Journalists Urge Swift Hearings for Jailed Pakistani Human Rights Lawyers
Two human rights lawyers in Pakistan are in prison after being convicted in a case linked to social media posts.
They have asked a court to pause their sentences while their legal matter continues.
Journalists and civil society members say the court has taken too long to decide.
Pakistan’s Supreme Court had ordered the Islamabad High Court to decide within two weeks.
The next hearing is scheduled for September 17.
Supporters worry that continued imprisonment could harm the lawyers and weaken fair-trial protections.
Imaan Zainab-Mazari is also reportedly ill in Adiala Jail.
A rights group is asking officials to provide her with tests, treatment and better medical care for all women prisoners.
Journalists and civil society members criticized delays in hearing sentence-suspension applications filed by Imaan Zainab-Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha.
Pakistan’s Supreme Court ordered the Islamabad High Court on May 12 to decide the applications within two weeks.
The lawyers were sentenced to a combined 17 years in prison and fined 36 million Pakistani rupees each over social media-related charges.
The applicants’ supporters said prolonged delays undermine constitutional protections for liberty, due process and fair trials.
The Human Rights Council of Pakistan also raised concerns about Imaan’s health and medical facilities at Adiala Jail.
- Who
- Human rights lawyers Imaan Zainab-Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha, supported by journalists, civil society members and the Human Rights Council of Pakistan.
- What
- Their applications to suspend their prison sentences remain undecided despite a Supreme Court order requiring a prompt decision.
- Where
- The case is before the Islamabad High Court, while Imaan is being held at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi.
- When
- The Supreme Court issued its order on May 12; the next hearing is scheduled for September 17. The Human Rights Council issued health concerns on August 25.
- Why
- Supporters seek timely judicial review and cite concerns about liberty, due process, fair trial rights and Imaan’s medical care.
Key facts
- Applicants
- Imaan Zainab-Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha
- Sentence
- A sessions court sentenced them to a combined 17 years in prison.
- Fines
- Each lawyer was fined 36 million Pakistani rupees.
- Case basis
- The convictions involved multiple charges linked to social media posts.
- Supreme Court order
- On May 12, the Supreme Court ordered the Islamabad High Court to decide the applications within two weeks.
- Next hearing
- September 17
- Health concern
- Imaan’s family said she had a chest infection and needed a chest X-ray; the Human Rights Council of Pakistan described prison medical facilities as alarming.
Quotes
Human Rights Council of Pakistan
Pakistani human rights organization addressing prison conditions and detainee healthcare
“Our concern is compounded by the alarming fact that inmates in the women's section of Adiala jail who have been diagnosed with infectious diseases are not isolated and mix with other inmates as well as children. The women's medical facilities and availability of doctors leave a lot to be desired.”
thehansindia.com
“The protection of the life, health, and dignity of every person in custody is the direct responsibility of the state and the jail administration. Regardless of the political, legal, or any other nature of cases, no prisoner can be deprived of essential medical facilities.”
thehansindia.com
Sources
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