An anti-terrorism court recently sentenced prominent human rights lawyers Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and her husband, Hadi Ali Chattha, to 10 years in prison each in a case of alleged disruption of security arrangements for England’s cricket team while in Pakistan, Christian Daily International reported.
The verdict, announced Oct. 29 by Anti-Terrorism Court Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra at Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail, the report said, “marks the latest development in a series of criminal proceedings against the couple, whose prosecution has drawn criticism from international human rights organizations and raised concerns about the treatment of lawyers and rights activists in Pakistan.”
The court reportedly convicted the couple under the Anti-Terrorism Act of 1997. Each was sentenced to 10 years in prison and a fine of 100,000 Pakistani rupees ($360). “They also received one-year sentences and fines of 50,000 Pakistani rupees each under Section 186 of the Pakistan Penal Code for obstructing public servants, and two-year sentences under Section 353 for using criminal force against public servants,” the report said.
All sentences will run concurrently, meaning the couple will serve a maximum of 10 years under the latest conviction. The court, however, acquitted them of charges relating to criminal intimidation, conspiracy and rioting under various provisions of the Pakistan Penal Code.
