Pakistani human rights lawyers Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha sentenced to 10 years over 2024 England cricket tour protest

Prominent Pakistani human rights lawyers Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha have been sentenced to 10 years in prison each, drawing international attention to the country's judicial and human rights record. The couple was charged in connection with an incident during England's 2024 cricket tour of Pakistan, though exact details of the charges remain unclear. Mazari, known for her outspoken criticism of the military and advocacy for marginalized communities, and Chattha, also a rights lawyer, have faced legal battles before, but this sentence marks a significant escalation. The case highlights the shrinking space for dissent in Pakistan, where activists and lawyers often face state pressure. Rights groups argue the conviction is politically motivated, aimed at silencing critics under the guise of national security. The timing, tied to a high-profile international sporting event, underscores how domestic political tensions can intersect with global moments. The couple plans to appeal, but for now, their imprisonment sends a chilling message to civil society across the region.