Applications seeking suspension of their sentences in controversial tweets case will be heard on Thursday
Lawyer and human rights activist Imaan Mazari and her husband, defender Hadi Ali Chattha. PHOTO: EXPRESS
The Islamabad High Court has set for Thursday the hearing of appeals filed by human rights activist and lawyer Imaan Mazari and her husband, lawyer Hadi Ali Chattha, against their 17-year prison sentences in the controversial social media posts case.
Judge Muhammad Asif will hear the appeals. The High Court Registrar’s Office scheduled the arguments, along with their requests for suspension of the sentences.
The case was registered in August last year over posts and reposts on X, formerly Twitter, which investigators described as undermining state institutions and aligning with banned organisations.
In a detailed 22-page judgment written by Islamabad District and Sessions Judge Afzal Majoka, the court convicted both accused on multiple charges linked to social media posts which, according to the prosecution, amounted to an anti-state narrative under cybercrime laws, while acquitting them of one charge related to hate speech.
The court convicted both under Section 9 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act and sentenced them to five years of rigorous imprisonment each, along with a fine of Rs 5 million each. In case of non-payment, they would be sentenced to one year of simple imprisonment.
They were also convicted under section 10 of the same law and were given 10 years rigorous imprisonment each, with a fine of Rs 30 million each. Failure to pay the fine would mean two more years of simple imprisonment. The court also convicted them under Section 26-A of the Act and sentenced them to two years of rigorous imprisonment each, along with a fine of Rs 1 million each. In case of non-payment, they would have to undergo six months of simple imprisonment.
In their petitions, the couple has asked the court to suspend their sentences and release them on bail.
The two subsequently challenged the trial court’s January 24 order, which was widely criticized by politicians, lawyers and civil society.
The conviction has also drawn international attention. Amnesty International issued an urgent action call to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on 2 February, calling for the couple’s immediate and unconditional release.
On February 4, United Nations experts also expressed alarm at the verdict. Five UN special rapporteurs said the couple had been sentenced to long prison terms for “simply exercising rights guaranteed by international human rights law”.
