An Islamabad court has sentenced lawyer and rights activist Imaan Mazari and her husband Hadi Ali Chattha to a combined 17 years in prison each under various sections in a controversial tweets case.
The verdict was announced after a tense hearing marked by a boycott of proceedings by the suspects.
The decision was handed down by the Islamabad District and Sessions Court, where the controversial tweets case against Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha was under trial.
The court ruled that both the suspects tried to damage the reputation of the state and state institutions through their tweets based on baseless allegations. They also tried to turn the public against the institutions.
Additional District and Sessions Judge Afzal Majoka issued the written verdict, sentencing both suspects to 17 years in prison each and a fine of Rs36 million.
As per the order, under Section 9 of PECA, both suspects were sentenced to five years in prison each and a fine of Rs5 million. Under Section 10 of PECA, a sentence of 10 years and a fine of Rs30 million has been imposed, while under Section 26A of the Act, a sentence of two-year imprisonment and a fine of Rs1 million have been imposed.
However, both suspects were acquitted of charges under Section 11 of the PECA.
Suspects appear via video link
Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha appeared before the court through a video link from jail. Police officials had requested virtual appearance, citing security concerns and stating that it would take five to six hours to physically produce the suspects.
The court accepted the police request and ordered the suspects to be presented online at 10:30am.
The court’s video link system was checked before proceedings began. Prosecutor Barrister Fahad, the state counsel, and witnesses were present in court.
Also Read: Lawyer Imaan Mazari, husband arrested in IHC 'scuffle case'
However, due to internet connectivity issues, the suspects could not initially be presented. On the request of Adiala Jail authorities, the hearing was adjourned for 20 minutes, after which the court ordered the suspects to be presented at 11am.
Torture allegations, boycott of proceedings
Once connected via video link, Imaan Mazari told the court that she and her husband were being tortured and were not being provided food or water. She asked whether media representatives were present in the courtroom before making the allegations.
Following this, Mazari announced a boycott of the court proceedings. Both suspects stood up and left the virtual hearing before it concluded.
Judge Majoka asked the suspects whether they intended to withdraw from the proceedings and remarked that they should wait for the verdict. He then directed court staff to preserve the complete record of the hearing.
“I will review the entire record,” the judge said, ordering that everything be documented and submitted to him.
Lawyer seeks physical production of suspects
During the hearing, defence lawyer Ashraf Gujjar argued that the suspects should be summoned physically before the court.
Judge Majoka responded that the suspects had already appeared online and said the request would be considered.
Following the boycott of proceedings and completion of arguments, the court issued a written verdict later, formally sentencing Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha to 17 years’ imprisonment each in the controversial tweets case.
Imaan, husband arrested in IHC 'scuffle case'
A day earlier, both husband and wife were arrested by the Islamabad police, triggering strong condemnation from the legal fraternity and a strike call by the Islamabad Bar Association.
Imaan Mazari and her husband had been staying inside the Islamabad High Court for the past three days due to fears of arrest. On Thursday, when they left for their appearance at the district court along with senior lawyers, police intercepted their vehicle at the Serena Chowk underpass.
Both were arrested and taken to an undisclosed location. Police have not yet issued an official statement clarifying the specific case under which the arrests were made.
