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EU Slams Pakistan Over Lawyers' Conviction, Islamabad Calls It Internal Matter

The European Union has criticized Pakistan's conviction of two human rights lawyers, Imaan Mazari-Hazir and Hadi Ali Chattha, for their social media posts, stating it contradicts democratic principles. The lawyers were detained and booked under Pakistan's Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act for allegedly promoting ethnic divisions and criticizing the military. Pakistan's Foreign Office rejected the EU's remarks, calling the case a domestic judicial matter. The incident brings scrutiny to Pakistan's GSP+ trade status with the EU, which is contingent on upholding human rights conventions.

Key Points: EU Criticizes Pakistan for Convicting Human Rights Lawyers

  • EU censures Pakistan over lawyers' conviction
  • Lawyers convicted under cybercrime law for social media posts
  • Pakistan dismisses criticism as internal legal matter
  • Case could impact Pakistan's trade status with EU
  • Convicted lawyers retain right to appeal verdict
2 min read

EU criticises Pakistan over conviction of human rights lawyers, Islamabad calls case internal matter

EU expresses concern over Pakistan's sentencing of lawyers Imaan Mazari-Hazir and Hadi Ali Chattha, calling it a democratic setback. Pakistan dismisses criticism.

"The conviction undermines freedom of expression and the independence of lawyers. - Anouar El Anouni, EU Spokesperson"

Brussels, January 30

The European Union expressed concern over Pakistan's sentencing of two human rights lawyers over their social media posts, describing it as a setback to democratic norms. Pakistan dismissed the criticism, calling the matter an internal legal issue, according to a report by Samaa TV.

On Thursday, the European Union censured Pakistan following the conviction of human rights lawyers Imaan Mazari-Hazir and Hadi Ali Chattha. The EU said the verdict contradicts the democratic principles Pakistan has pledged to uphold at the international level. Mazari and her husband Chattha were detained last Friday while en route to attend a court hearing. They were later placed in two weeks of judicial remand after being booked under Pakistan's Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA).

Authorities alleged that the couple shared content on X that supposedly promoted ethnic divisions and depicted Pakistan's military as being involved in "terrorism." Both lawyers rejected the accusations and asserted that their posts constituted lawful expression. Anouar El Anouni, the EU spokesperson for foreign affairs and security policy, said the conviction undermines freedom of expression and the independence of lawyers, as reported by Samaa TV.

He emphasised that these principles are not only core democratic values but also part of Pakistan's international human rights obligations.

Pakistan is among the largest beneficiaries of the European Union's Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+), which grants duty-free access to most European markets. In exchange, beneficiary states must implement 27 international conventions related to human rights, labour rights, environmental protection, and good governance. Pakistan's GSP+ status has previously come under review. In April 2021, the European Parliament adopted a resolution urging an immediate reassessment, citing concerns over violence against religious minorities, curbs on media freedom, and wider human rights concerns, Samaa TV reported.

Responding to the EU's comments, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi termed the case a "domestic affair" of Pakistan. He said the conviction occurred under national laws through a judicial process. Andrabi stressed that the convicted lawyers retain the right to appeal and seek legal remedies. He added that although Pakistan continues engagement with the EU on various matters, it maintains a clear boundary regarding internal legal and judicial issues, as noted by the Samaa TV report.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While every country has a right to its own laws, the international community should hold nations accountable when they violate the very conventions they've signed. GSP+ status isn't a free pass; it comes with responsibilities.
A
Aman W
It's an internal matter for Pakistan, but the world is watching. As a neighbour, we in India know the importance of a robust judiciary that protects citizens, not one that silences them. Hope the appeal process is fair and transparent.
S
Sarah B
Respectfully, the EU's criticism is valid but perhaps a bit selective. There are human rights concerns in many regions. Consistent application of pressure is key. That said, targeting lawyers is always a red flag for democracy.
V
Vikram M
The military's involvement in civilian affairs is an old story there. If the posts were about that, no wonder they got into trouble. But isn't speaking truth to power the job of a lawyer? Sad state of affairs.
K
Karthik V
Pakistan's "internal matter" argument doesn't hold water when they are part of international agreements. You can't take the trade benefits and ignore the human rights conditions. The EU should seriously review the GSP+ status this time.

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