Accused questions alleged wrongdoing, warns against boycott and maintains they remain unaware of allegations
Human rights lawyer and social activist Imaan Mazari and her husband Hadi Ali Chattha. Photo file
Trials regarding the controversial tweet case against lawyer Imaan Mazari and her husband, Hadi Ali Chattha, have started. Both are accused of posting “anti-government” sentiments on X (formerly Twitter).
Non-releasable arrest warrants were issued for both Mazari and Chattha, but the prosecution has been repeatedly dropped.
Islamabad Additional District and Sessions Judge Afzal Majoka presided over the hearing where Mazari claimed that despite the earlier court order saying the charge was read out to her, it was not.
She added: “I don’t even know what the charges against me are.” Judge Majoka replied that her lawyer is informed of the charge against her.
However, Mazari argued, “the court should read the indictment aloud today and explain it.”
The judge maintained that Mazari should ask his lawyer what the charge is, adding that he had pleaded not guilty.
Read: Islamabad court indicts Imaan Mazari, husband in controversial tweet case
Meanwhile, Chattha filed a petition to remove the public prosecutor and said he wants to appoint Asif Ali as his lawyer. Further, he added, “we have approached the member inspection team against the misconduct of the court,” saying the case should be stayed until the team delivers its decision.
Judge Majoka adjourned the hearing pending the arrival of Mazari and Chattha’s lawyers.
The hearing is resumed
Chattha expressed lack of confidence in the court when the case resumed, claiming that the court is biased and should not continue the hearing.
“If you had expressed no confidence before the indictment, I would have transferred the case,” replied Judge Majoka, who clarified that after indictment, only the Islamabad High Court can transfer the case.
Claiming that both she and Chattha remain unaware of the charges, Mazari warned: “If the court continues the case like this, we will boycott the court process.” The judge replied: “If you wish to boycott the case, you may do so.”
Read 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 was adjourned again.
Second retake
When he returned to court, Mazari announced, “my lawyer has withdrawn the power of attorney.” Judge Majoka said her lawyer must appear in court to confirm the withdrawal, adding, “if you change lawyers, you must personally submit an application,” he added.
Mazari clarified: “I am not changing my lawyer – my lawyer has withdrawn the power of attorney himself.”
Chattha noted, “The prosecution seems to be very busy in this case.”
“What is the urgency to record testimony without counsel present?” he asked.
“Court is waiting, call your lawyers,” Judge Majoka replied and adjourned the hearing again.
The court issues warrants of arrest without bail
Both Mazari and Chattha did not appear in court for the retrial.
According to the court, the accused remained absent until the end of the trial period, with three prosecution witnesses present.
The court issued notices to both, asking why their bail should not be canceled for failure to appear. As a result, non-bailable warrants were also issued against both Mazari and Chattha.
“The conduct of the accused indicates that they are deliberately avoiding trials,” Judge Majoka stated, adjourning the hearing until tomorrow.
