Following Pakistan’s conviction of human rights attorneys, the European Union denounced the country on social media on Thursday, claiming that it compromised the independence of attorneys and the right to free speech.Following Pakistan’s conviction of human rights attorneys, the European Union denounced the country on social media on Thursday, claiming that it compromised the independence of attorneys and the right to free speech. Rejecting the criticism, Pakistan referred to the issue as an internal legal matter.Rejecting the criticism, Pakistan referred to the issue as an internal legal matter.
After a court found human rights activist and attorney Iman Mazari and her husband guilty of posting anti-state content on social media, activists, attorneys, and journalists displayed posters in support of them.After a court found human rights activist and attorney Iman Mazari and her husband guilty of posting anti-state content on social media, activists, attorneys, and journalists displayed posters in support of them. (Reuters)The EU was condemned after the conviction of human rights lawyers Iman Mazari-Hajir and Hadi Ali Chatta.(Reuters)The EU was condemned after the conviction of human rights lawyers Iman Mazari-Hajir and Hadi Ali Chatta. For what the authorities called “anti-state” social media posts, Mazari and her husband Chatta received a combined sentence of 17 years in prison.For what the authorities called “anti-state” social media posts, Mazari and her husband Chatta received a combined sentence of 17 years in prison.
According to Sama TV, which was cited by news agency ANI, the EU has stated that the decision goes against democratic values, which Pakistan has promised to uphold internationally.According to Sama TV, which was cited by news agency ANI, the EU has stated that the decision goes against democratic values, which Pakistan has promised to uphold internationally.
The couple allegedly shared content on X that depicted Pakistan’s military as engaged in “terrorism” and encouraged ethnic division.The couple allegedly shared content on X that depicted Pakistan’s military as engaged in “terrorism” and encouraged ethnic division.
See also: Iman Mazari: Who is he?See also: Iman Mazari: Who is he? A lawyer and a Pakistani military critic received a 17-year sentence along with their spouse.A lawyer and a Pakistani military critic received a 17-year sentence along with their spouse.
Both attorneys, meanwhile, refuted the accusations and asserted that their posts were acceptable forms of expression.Both attorneys, meanwhile, refuted the accusations and asserted that their posts were acceptable forms of expression.
The conviction, according to EU spokesman Anwar El Anoni, compromises both the freedom of expression and the independence of attorneys.The conviction, according to EU spokesman Anwar El Anoni, compromises both the freedom of expression and the independence of attorneys. He emphasized that these values are part of Pakistan’s international human rights obligations as well as fundamental democratic ideals.He emphasized that these values are part of Pakistan’s international human rights obligations as well as fundamental democratic ideals.
Pakistan is one of the main recipients of duty-free access to the majority of European markets under the Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP) of the European Union.Pakistan is one of the main recipients of duty-free access to the majority of European markets under the Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP) of the European Union. In exchange, the state carries out 27 international agreements pertaining to labor, environmental protection, and human rights.In exchange, the state carries out 27 international agreements pertaining to labor, environmental protection, and human rights.
Pakistan called it an ‘internal matter’In response to the EU’s statement on the conviction, Foreign Office spokesman Tahir Hussain Andrabi said the conviction occurred under national law and was a “domestic matter”.
Andrabi emphasized that convicted lawyers retain the right to appeal and seek legal remedies. He also said that despite Pakistan’s engagement with the EU, it maintains a clear boundary in the country’s internal and legal affairs.
(with input from ANI)
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