Islamabad (HRNW) — A district and sessions court in Islamabad has sentenced human rights lawyer Imaan Zainab Mazari and her husband, Advocate Hadi Ali Chattha, to ten years in prison each in a controversial legal case concerning social media posts. This ruling was handed down today by Additional Sessions Judge Afzal Majoka following proceedings in the tweets‑related case.
Both Mazari and Chattha were present before the court via video link due to their ongoing detention. Reports indicate that the couple boycotted parts of the court hearing, and the trial has been marked by procedural controversies.
The case stems from a National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) complaint alleging that the social media posts circulated by Mazari and her husband amounted to offence under Pakistan’s Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA).
Earlier this week, the couple was arrested by authorities in Islamabad, a move that drew criticism from legal associations and civil liberties groups.
At the time of sentencing, the court ruled on multiple counts under the relevant cyber‑crime and electronic offence provisions, resulting in the 10‑year prison terms for each accused.
