Defendants question alleged judicial misconduct and warn of boycott while maintaining they are unaware of charges
Human rights lawyer and social activist Imaan Mazari and her husband Hadi Ali Chattha. Photo archive
Proceedings related to the controversial tweeting case against lawyer Imaan Mazari and her husband Hadi Ali Chattha have begun. Both are accused of posting “anti-state” sentiments on X (formerly Twitter).
Non-bailable warrants were issued for Mazari and Chattha; However, impeachment proceedings have been repeatedly disrupted.
Islamabad Additional District and Sessions Judge Afzal Majoka presided over the hearing, during which Mazari argued that even though the earlier court order stated that the charges were read to him, this was not the case.
He added: “I don’t even know what the accusations against me are.” Judge Majoka responded that his lawyer is informed of the charges against him.
Mazari, however, argued that “the court should read the charge aloud today and explain it.”
The judge held that Mazari should ask his lawyer what the charges are, adding that he had pleaded not guilty.
Read: Islamabad court charges Imaan Mazari and her husband in controversial tweet case
Meanwhile, Chattha filed a petition to remove the state prosecutor, saying he wants to appoint Asif Ali as his lawyer. Furthermore, he added, “we have approached the Member Inspection Team against court misconduct,” stating that the proceedings should be suspended until the team issues its decision.
Judge Majoka adjourned the hearing until the arrival of Mazari and Chattha’s lawyers.
Hearing resumes
Chattha expressed lack of confidence in the court when proceedings resumed, claiming that the court is biased and should not continue with the hearing.
“If you had not expressed confidence before the indictment, you would have transferred the case,” replied Justice Majoka, who clarified that after the indictment, only the Islamabad High Court can transfer the case.
Arguing that both she and Chattha are unaware of the charges, Mazari warned: “If the court continues the proceedings in this way, we will boycott the judicial process.” The judge responded: “If you want to boycott the process, you can.”
Read more: Imaan Mazari’s husband arrested in ‘controversial’ tweet case
Chattha then asked for some time, saying that his lawyers were in the high court and the hearing was adjourned once again.
Second resumption
Upon returning to court, Mazari announced: “my lawyer has withdrawn power.” Judge Majoka said his lawyer must appear in court to confirm the withdrawal, adding that “if you are going to change lawyers, then you must apply personally,” he added.
Mazari clarified: “I am not going to change lawyers; my own lawyer has withdrawn power.”
Chattha commented: “The prosecution seems to be in a hurry in this case.”
“What is the urgency of recording testimony without the presence of a defense attorney?” he questioned.
“The court is waiting, call your lawyers,” Judge Majoka responded, adjourning the hearing again.
Court issues non-bailable arrest warrants
Both Mazari and Chattha did not appear in court for 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, asking why their bail should not be canceled for failure to appear. Consequently, non-bailable arrest warrants were also issued against Mazari and Chattha.
“The conduct of the accused indicates that they are deliberately avoiding court proceedings,” Judge Majoka stated, adjourning the hearing until tomorrow.
