Defendants question allegations of court misconduct and warn against boycott, saying they ignore accusations against them
Imaan Mazari, human rights lawyer and social activist, and her husband Hadi Ali Chattha. Photo file
Proceedings regarding the controversial tweets case against lawyer Imaan Mazari and her husband, Hadi Ali Chattha, have begun. Both are accused of having published “anti-state” remarks on X (formerly Twitter).
Non-bailable arrest warrants were issued for Mazari and Chattha, but the indictment proceedings were repeatedly interrupted.
Islamabad Additional District and Sessions Judge Afzal Majoka presided over the hearing, during which Mazari argued that despite the court’s previous order stating that the charge sheet had been read to him, this was not the case.
She added: “I don’t even know what the allegations against me are. » Judge Majoka responded that her lawyer is informed of the accusations against her.
Mazari, however, argued that “the court should read the accusation aloud today and explain it.”
The judge argued that Mazari should ask his lawyer what the charge against him is, adding that he has pleaded not guilty.
Read: Islamabad court indicts Imaan Mazari, her husband in controversial tweet case
Meanwhile, Chattha filed an application for dismissal of the public prosecutor, saying he wanted to appoint Asif Ali as his lawyer. Additionally, he added, “we have contacted the Court’s Membership Against Misconduct Inspection Team,” stating that the proceedings should be halted until the team issues its decision.
Justice Majoka adjourned the hearing until lawyers for Mazari and Chattha arrived.
The hearing resumes
Chattha expressed his lack of confidence in the court as proceedings resumed, saying the court was biased and should not continue with the hearing.
“If you had not expressed any confidence before the charge-sheet, I would have transferred the case,” replied Justice Majoka, who clarified that after the charge-sheet, only the Islamabad High Court can transfer the case.
Claiming that she and Chattha are unaware of the accusations, Mazari warned: “If the court continues the proceedings in this manner, we will boycott the judicial process. » The judge replied: “If you wish to boycott the proceedings, you can do so. »
Learn more: Imaan Mazari’s husband arrested in ‘controversial’ tweet case
Chattha then asked for some time, saying their lawyers were at the High Court and the hearing had been adjourned again.
Second recovery
When he returned to court, Mazari announced, “my lawyer has withdrawn the power of attorney.” Justice Majoka said his lawyer had to appear in court to confirm the withdrawal, adding: “If you change your lawyer, then you must personally make an application,” he added.
Mazari clarified: “I am not changing lawyers – my lawyer himself withdrew the power of attorney. »
Chattha remarked, “The prosecution seems to be in a lot of haste in this case.”
“How urgent is it to record testimony without the presence of a defense attorney? » he questioned.
“The court is waiting, call your lawyers,” Justice Majoka replied, adjourning the hearing again.
Court issues arrest warrants without bail
Mazari and Chattha did not appear before the court for the resumption of the proceedings.
The accused remained absent until the end of court hours, according to the court, in the presence of three prosecution witnesses.
The court issued show cause notices to both the accused, asking them why their bail should not be canceled due to their non-appearance. Consequently, non-bailable arrest warrants were also issued against Mazari and Chattha.
“The behavior of the accused indicates that they are deliberately avoiding legal proceedings,” Justice Majoka said, adjourning the hearing until tomorrow.
