/ / PAKISTAN: RELEASE CONVICTED HUMAN RIGHTS LAWYERS

PAKISTAN: RELEASE CONVICTED HUMAN RIGHTS LAWYERS

UA: Second 87.26

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On January 23, human rights lawyers Imaan Mazari-Hazir and Hadi Ali Chatta were arbitrary arrested and the next day, both sentenced to 10 to 17 years’ imprisonment for social media posts deemed to be “anti-state” and “fake and false information” under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act. Eight months in and their appeal against their sentence and conviction has yet to be heard. Imaan Mazari-Hazir has experienced serious health concerns in detention for which she needed urgent healthcare and which the authorities repeatedly denied her access to.

The Pakistani authorities must quash their conviction and immediately and unconditionally release them.

PLEASE TAKE ACTION AS SOON AS POSSIBLE UNTIL: March 7, 2027

Here is how you can take action:

Send a letter to the Pakistani authorities
Send an email to the Pakistani authorities
Post on social media

Scroll down to Step 1 and Step 2 to access the full Urgent Action appeal and sample letter, and U.S.P.S. mailing address (if available).

Take action

Step 1

READ THE FULL URGENT ACTION

Enter your email address and zip code to get the sample letter to send to government officials.

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You can now write a letter in your own words or download the sample below as a guide.

Remember to send your letter by March 7, 2027.

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Sample Letter

Dear Hon. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif,

I am concerned about the continued unlawful imprisonment of human rights defenders and prominent lawyers, Imaan Mazari-Hazir and Hadi Ali Chattha. They were arrested on January 23 and on January 24, sentenced to a 10 to 17 years’ imprisonment for social media posts under provisions of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016 related to “cyber terrorism” and “fake and false information”. While their trial raised significant fair trial concerns, Imaan Mazari-Hazir and Hadi Ali Chattha’s applications to suspend their prison sentence and appeal against their conviction have also not been heard by the higher courts, particularly the Islamabad High Court. Considering this failure to hear their appeals within the two-week time frame stipulated by the Supreme Court, there is concern that the authorities are using delay tactics to prolong their arbitrary detention.

I am also concerned about reports regarding Imaan Mazari-Hazir’s poor health for the past month during which she has suffered from dental and gastrointestinal problems. Imaan has experienced heavy bleeding in her gums, and the prison authorities failed to provide her with access to a dentist. She was also found to be suffering from a chest infection and experiencing stomach issues.

Imaan Mazari-Hazir and Hadi Ali Chattha are being imprisoned as retaliation for their work as human rights lawyers and exercising their right to freedom of expression.

I urge you to take all necessary steps to ensure that Imaan Mazari-Hazir and Hadi Ali Chattha’s convictions are quashed and they are immediately and unconditionally released. Pending their release, I urge you to ensure that Imaan Mazari-Hazir and Hadi Ali Chattha are granted access to adequate and all necessary healthcare without delay.

Yours sincerely,

[YOUR NAME]

Step 2

Send your message

Mail your letter to the government officials listed below. You can also email, fax, call, or post about them on social media.

Send your letter to:

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif

Prime Minister’s Office,

Constitution Avenue, G-5/2 Islamabad, Pakistan

[email protected]

and

CC: Pakistani Embassy in the United States

Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh

Send a copy of your letter to the address below

3517 International Court, NW,

Washington DC 20008

[email protected]

When writing your letter, don’t forget to be factual, brief, and show respect. See more letter writing tips and emails, or organize and host a letter writing party.

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