World Expression Forum (WEXFO) is calling on former WEXFO participants to sign an urgent joint statement in support of Imaan Mazari-Hazir, a prominent human rights lawyer, WEXFO alumna, and recipient of the 2025 WEXFO Young Inspiration Award.
On Thursday September 17th, the Supreme Court of Pakistan suspended her 17 year sentence. Minutes after their release the same day, she was rearrested together with her husband, human rights lawyer Hadi Ali Chattha, who was serving the same sentence. According to legal experts, this “arrest bail rearrest” pattern is part of a long standing practice used to break political prisoners and silence lawyers working on cases of state abuse. Recent court proceedings also indicate growing uncertainty about the judiciary’s ability to protect fundamental rights in Pakistan.
For those unfamiliar with the case: Imaan and Hadi have spent years representing victims of enforced disappearances and other human rights violations. Their prosecution has been widely condemned by international observers, including UN experts, who have stated that their expression and legal advocacy cannot be treated as criminal conduct.
International pressure is now essential.
The WEXFO Young Experts of 2025, who participated at WEXFO with Imaan, invite all former WEXFO participants and speakers to add your name, occupation, and country to this joint statement, which will be delivered to the Embassy of Pakistan in Norway.
Thank you for standing with us in defending the safety and freedom of those who work to protect others.
Photo: Imaan Mazari-Hazir received the WEXFO Young Inspiration Award during the WEXFO Conference in Lillehammer on June 2, 2025 (Photo: WEXFO / Øystein Nordås).
