Two jailed Pakistanis win human rights prize for lawyers
The 2026 edition of the prestigious Ludovic Trarieux Prize was awarded to Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha, two lawyers held in a Rawalpindi prison since last January for publishing posts expressing solidarity with Baloch and Pashtun peoples and criticising the country’s military. For human rights organisations, their case is a symbol of restrictions on freedom of expression.
Karachi (AsiaNews) – Jailed Pakistani lawyers Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha have been awarded the 2026 edition of the Ludovic Trarieux International Human Rights Prize, one of the most prestigious awards in the world for lawyers committed to defending human rights.
The Unione Forense per la Difesa dei Diritti Umani (Lawyers’ Union for the Defence of Human Rights, UFDU) announced the result, which recognises the two lawyers' long-standing commitment to defending fundamental freedoms, access to justice, and the rights of vulnerable communities in Pakistan.
The recognition comes while both remain in jail, appealing their convictions earlier this year under Pakistan's cybercrime legislation.
On 24 January, a court sentenced Mazari and Chattha to ten years in prison on charges related to cyber terrorism and spreading false information through posts on the social media X.
The case arose from messages expressing solidarity with Baloch and Pashtun activists and criticising the Pakistani military. The two are currently held in Adiala Prison, Rawalpindi.
According to court documents cited in the case, the authorities charged Mazari with promoting narratives aligned with hostile and banned organisations, while Chattha was indicted in part for republishing some of her content.
Human rights groups and legal experts have closely monitored the case, viewing it in the broader context of concerns over freedom of expression and the treatment of lawyers and activists in Pakistan.
The Ludovic Trarieux Prize, established in honour of French lawyer Ludovic Trarieux, is considered the oldest international human rights award specifically for lawyers.
Trarieux founded the Ligue française pour la défense des droits de l'homme et du citoyen (French League for the defence of man and the citizen), more commonly referred to as the Ligue des droits de l'homme (Human Rights League) in 1898 and became known for his advocacy of justice and civil liberties.
The Ludovic Trarieux Prize was created in 1984 and its first recipient was Nelson Mandela in 1985, who was still imprisoned under apartheid in South Africa.
Since then, the recognition has been awarded to lawyers around the world who have suffered persecution or demonstrated exceptional courage in defending human rights.
The award ceremony was held in Rome at the headquarters of the Consiglio nazionale forense (Italy’s National Bar Association), attended by legal professionals and human rights defenders from several countries,
The UFDU highlighted Chattha's legal work on behalf of people accused of blasphemy, victims of sexual violence, families affected by enforced disappearances, and prisoners sentenced to death.
Mazari was recognised for providing legal assistance to victims of violence and persecution and for supporting vulnerable religious and ethnic communities.
The organisation noted that both lawyers have spent years representing journalists, activists, victims of enforced disappearances, and people prosecuted under blasphemy laws, often in politically sensitive cases.
The announcement of the prize was welcomed by supporters and colleagues committed to defending human rights.
Mazari's mother, Shireen Mazari, a former federal minister, called the recognition a tremendous professional honour and thanked those who participated in the selection of the awardees.
Karachi-based human rights activist Zahid Farooq said the award recognises lawyers' commitment to supporting marginalised and oppressed communities.
Human rights lawyer Sarah Malkani also praised Mazari's work, describing her as a tireless advocate for some of Pakistan's most vulnerable communities. “Her bravery and unwavering dedication are inspiring for all human rights advocates,” Malkani explained.
The international recognition of Mazari and Chattha comes at a time when human rights groups continue to express concerns over civic liberties, freedom of expression, and the safety of human rights defenders in Pakistan.
For supporters of the two lawyers, the prize is a reminder that their work and commitment continue to be recognised beyond the country's borders, even as they remain behind bars awaiting the outcome of their legal appeals.
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18/10/2024 19:23
13/08/2019 14:21
