Lawyer Imaan Mazari. Photo:
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 the proceedings of their case.
The hearing was held at the Islamabad District and Sessions Court and was presided over by Additional Sessions Judge Afzal Mojoka. Prosecutor Rana Usman, 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 stay of an earlier order ordering their arrest and presentation via video link. The court briefly adjourned the hearing following the request.
When proceedings resumed, Judge Mojoka said a questionnaire had been prepared and would be given to the accused, adding that further proceedings would be held in open court.
The judge noted that the court had previously issued a court order canceling bail and ordering the issuance of arrest warrants. Referring to a ruling by the Lahore High Court, he noted that arrest warrants could be withdrawn in certain situations, but said the present case was being reviewed on a daily basis.
Read: Court orders arrest of Imaan Mazari and Hadi Chattha within 24 hours
Judge Mojoka said the police had received the NCCIA report on the warrants, but noted that the arrest warrants had not been executed.
He advised the defense to approach the Islamabad High Court for relief, saying he had reviewed the law and the case in detail. “If I had the authority to revoke the bail cancellation order, I would have done so,” the judge said.
The defense argued that the accused should be provided with a conducive environment to appear in court and questioned the reasons why bail had been cancelled, maintaining that the trial court could review its own decision.
Prosecutor Rana Usman opposed the request, arguing that only the High Court had the authority to grant such relief. He said the trial court could not revoke its earlier order until the accused formally surrendered.
The court adjourned the proceedings until January 19.
Case history
The case against Mazari and Chattha centers on alleged controversial posts and reposts on X, formerly Twitter, which authorities have described as “anti-state.” The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency registered the case under the Electronic Crime Prevention Act of 2016, saying the content was aimed at inciting divisions and negatively portraying state institutions.
Previously, the trial court issued non-bailable arrest warrants after the defendants failed to appear, drawing criticism and legal challenges from the defense. The couple later approached the Islamabad High Court, alleging lack of transparency and procedural irregularities, including evidence being collected in their absence and without proper legal representation.
His plea to transfer the case was heard by the high court, which refused to grant an immediate stay. The couple then filed a petition with the Supreme Court, which ordered a temporary stay of the trial until the high court completes its hearing.
Legal bodies, including the Islamabad Bar Association, have criticized aspects of the process, arguing that the accused’s right to a fair defense has been undermined.
