Archive · 8 Dec 2025
Pakistani Activists Indicted for Criticizing Military
In Pakistan, two human rights activists, Imaan Mazari and her husband Hadi Ali Chattha, were indicted for criticizing the military and intelligence agencies on social media.
They were charged under a law called PECA, which is used to control what people say online.
Many people in Pakistan are upset about this and are protesting to support the couple.
The activists have been denied their choice of lawyers and their trial has been delayed.
International groups and other activists have also spoken out against the unfair treatment of the couple.
The case is seen as part of a bigger problem where the government uses laws to silence people who speak out against injustice.
Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha indicted under PECA for criticizing the military on social media.
Charges include up to 3 years in prison and a fine of PKR 20 lakh.
Civil society and activists are protesting in support of the couple.
The trial has been delayed to 15 December 2025, with reports of procedural irregularities.
International jurists and activists have condemned the judicial harassment of the couple.
- Who
- Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha, human rights activists
- What
- Indicted for criticizing the military and intelligence agencies
- When
- Indicted on 30 October 2025, trial on 15 December 2025
- Where
- Pakistan
- Why
- For tweets critical of human rights violations by the military
- Activists
- Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha
- Charges
- Criticizing military and intelligence agencies
- Law
- Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA)
- Penalties
- Up to 3 years in prison and a fine of PKR 20 lakh
- FIRs Registered
- 689 under PECA, including 9 against journalists
- Trial Date
- 15 December 2025
- Support
- Civil society, journalists, and activists
- International Condemnation
- Open letter by international jurists