Lawyer Imaan Mazari. Photo:X
ISLAMABAD:
A district court in Islamabad on Saturday reissued non-bailable arrest warrants against lawyer and human rights activist Imaan Mazari and her husband, Hadi Ali Chattha, during proceedings in their case.
The hearing was held at the District and Sessions Court, Islamabad and was presided over by Additional Sessions Judge Afzal Mojoka. Prosecutor Rana Usman of DSP Legal and defense lawyer Riyasat Ali Azad were present.
The defense lawyer told the court that Mazari and Chattha had surrendered and appeared before the judge, and requested the suspension of an earlier order ordering their arrest and presentation via video link. The court briefly adjourned the hearing following this request.
When the proceedings resumed, Judge Mojoka said a questionnaire had been prepared and would be given to the accused, adding that the rest of the proceedings would take place in open court.
The judge noted that the court had previously issued a court order canceling bail and directing the issuance of arrest warrants. Referring to a decision of the Lahore High Court, he observed that arrest warrants could be withdrawn in certain situations, but said the present case was being heard on a daily basis.
Read: Court orders arrest of Imaan Mazari and Hadi Chattha within 24 hours
Justice Mojoka said the police had received the NCCIA report regarding the arrest warrants, but noted that the arrest orders had not been executed.
He advised the defense to approach the Islamabad High Court for relief, saying he had examined the law and the case in detail. “If I had the power to overturn the bail cancellation order, I would have done so,” the judge said.
The defense argued that the accused should be provided with an environment conducive to his appearance in court and questioned the grounds for canceling bail, saying the trial court could review its own decision.
Prosecutor Rana Usman opposed the application, arguing that only the High Court had the power to grant such relief. He said the trial court could not reverse its earlier decision until the accused formally surrendered.
The court adjourned the proceedings until January 19.
Case history
The case against Mazari and Chattha focuses on allegedly controversial posts and reposts on X, formerly Twitter, that authorities described as “anti-state.” The National Cybercrime Investigation Agency registered the case under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016, saying the content was aimed at inciting divisions and portraying a negative image of state institutions.
Previously, the trial court issued non-bailable arrest warrants after the accused failed to appear, sparking criticism and legal challenges from the defense. The couple then approached the Islamabad High Court, alleging a lack of transparency and procedural irregularities, including the recording of evidence in their absence and without proper legal representation.
Their application to transfer the case was heard by the High Court, which refused to grant an immediate stay. The couple then approached the Supreme Court, which ordered a temporary halt to the trial until the High Court completed its hearing.
Legal bodies, including the Islamabad Bar Association, criticized aspects of the proceedings, arguing that the accused’s right to a fair defense had been compromised.
