Amnesty International has strongly condemned the charges filed against human rights lawyers Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chatta under Pakistan’s Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), describing the case as a misuse of vague laws to suppress dissent.
In a statement posted on X, the global human rights organization termed the accusations of “cyber terrorism,” “hate speech,” and spreading “false and fake information” as unjust and politically motivated. Amnesty said the case amounts to retaliation against the two lawyers for exercising their right to freedom of expression online.
The organization also expressed serious concern over the conduct of the trial, noting that the unusually rapid pace of the proceedings raises grave questions about due process and the fairness of the legal process.
Amnesty International urged the Pakistani authorities to immediately withdraw all charges against Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chatta, stressing that their prosecution is based solely on their work in defense of human rights. The group emphasized that no one should face criminal charges for peacefully expressing opinions or criticizing state policies.
