UN, EU Raise Concerns Over Sentencing of Pakistani Rights Lawyers Under Cybercrime Law
The sentencing of Pakistani human rights lawyers Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha has drawn sharp criticism from the United Nations, the European Union, and several international legal bodies, according to a report by Christian Daily International.
The couple was sentenced in January 2026 by a sessions court in Islamabad under Pakistan’s Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) for social media posts that were critical of state institutions. They received multiple concurrent prison terms totalling 17 years and were each fined 36 million Pakistani rupees.
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights said it was deeply disturbed by the verdict, stating that criminal sanctions for peaceful expression are inconsistent with international human rights obligations. The UN also expressed concern that cybercrime laws may be used to silence dissent and intimidate members of the legal community.
The European Union echoed similar concerns, saying the conviction undermines freedom of expression and the independence of the legal profession. EU officials called on Pakistan to uphold fair trial standards and protect lawyers from retaliation for their professional activities.
Human rights organisation Amnesty International described the arrests as arbitrary and called for the immediate and unconditional release of the couple. A coalition of international legal organisations, including the International Commission of Jurists and the International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute, issued a joint statement warning that prosecuting lawyers for online speech sets a chilling precedent for the broader legal community.
Domestic reactions have also followed. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan termed the sentencing symptomatic of a worsening environment for activists and lawyers handling sensitive cases involving religion, national security or state authority.
According to the report, Mazari and Chattha were involved in several high-profile blasphemy cases and had publicly alleged the existence of organised networks misusing blasphemy accusations for personal or financial motives. Rights advocates note that challenging such cases in Pakistan carries significant risks, as blasphemy allegations have historically triggered mob violence and severe legal consequences.
Pakistan’s authorities have maintained that the convictions were carried out under existing law. However, the case has intensified debate over the balance between cyber regulation, freedom of expression and judicial independence in the country.
Our Thoughts
The sentencing of Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha has placed Pakistan’s legal and civic environment under renewed international scrutiny. At the heart of the debate lies a broader question: how should states regulate digital expression while safeguarding fundamental freedoms? As global attention remains focused on the case, its long-term impact may extend beyond the individuals involved, shaping conversations about cyber laws, judicial independence and the space available for dissent in modern democracies.