ISLAMABAD: UN experts on Wednesday expressed alarm at the conviction of lawyers and human rights activists Imaan Mazari-Hazir and Hadi Ali Chattha on multiple criminal charges.
“Lawyers, like other individuals, are entitled to freedom of expression. The exercise of this right should never be conflated with criminal conduct, especially not terrorism,” the experts said in a joint statement.
“Doing so risks undermining and criminalising the work of lawyers and human rights defenders across Pakistan and has a chilling effect on civil society in the country.”The experts included included Margaret Satterthwaite, Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers; Ben Saul, Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism; Mary Lawlor, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders; Irene Khan, Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, and Gina Romero, Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association.
The special rapporteurs are independent human rights experts appointed by the United Nations Human Rights Council. They serve in their individual capacity and are independent from any government or organisation, including OHCHR and the UN.
“States must ensure lawyers are not subject to prosecution for any professional action, and that lawyers are not identified with their clients.”The UN experts have contacted Pakistani authorities regarding their concerns, according to the statement.
