EU Reminds Pakistan of Human Rights Obligations, Condemns Conviction of Activists

The European Union (EU) reminded Pakistan of its international human rights commitments while condemning the conviction of two human rights activists and lawyers by the Pakistani authorities. Expressing deep concerns on Thursday, an EU spokesperson Anouar El Anouni stated that the conviction of both the lawyers over social media activity goes against freedom of expression and independence of lawyers. The arrest of the duo has been severely criticised all over the world. Following the arrest, journalists, parliamentarians and human rights bodies strongly condemned the action and called for their justice. Following the arrest of the duo, widespread protests has erupted in Karachi this week. A Pakistani court sentenced both the lawyers to a combined 17 years in prison under Pakistan’s controversial Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) on Saturday.