Accused question alleged court misconduct, warn of boycott maintaining they remain unaware of charges
Human Rights lawyer and social activist Imaan Mazari and her husband Hadi Ali Chattha. Photo File
Proceedings regarding the controversial tweets case against Lawyer Imaan Mazari and her husband, Hadi Ali Chattha, have started. Both are accused of posting “anti-state” sentiment on X (formerly Twitter).
Non-bailable arrest warrants were issued against both Mazari and Chattha, however, indictment proceedings have been repeatedly disrupted.
Additional District and Sessions Islamabad Judge Afzal Majoka presided over the hearing, during which Mazari argued that despite the previous court order stating that the charge was read out to her, it wasn’t.
She added, “I do not even know what the allegations against me are.” Judge Majoka responded that her lawyer is informed of the charge levelled against her.
Mazari, however, argued, “the court should read the charge out loud today and explain it.”
The judge maintained that Mazari should ask her 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 request to remove the state prosecutor, saying that he wishes to appoint Asif Ali as his lawyer. Further, he added, “we have approached the Member Inspection Team against the court’s misconduct,” stating that the proceedings should be halted until the team delivers its decision.
Judge Majoka adjourned the hearing until the arrival of Mazari and Chattha’s lawyers.
Hearing resumes
Chattha expressed a lack of confidence in the court upon as proceedings 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.
Arguing that both she and Chattha remain unaware of the charges, Mazari warned, “If the court continues proceedings in this manner, we will boycott the judicial process.” The judge responded, “If you wish to boycott the proceedings, you may do so.”
Read More: Imaan Mazari’s husband arrested in ‘controversial’ tweet case
Chattha then requested some time, saying their lawyers were at the high court and the hearing was adjourned once again.
Second resumption
Upon returning to court, Mazari announced, “my lawyer has withdrawn the power of attorney.” Judge Majoka said her lawyer must appear before the court to confirm the withdrawal, adding, “if you are changing your lawyer, then you should personally submit an application,” he added.
Mazari clarified, “I am not changing my lawyer – my lawyer himself has withdrawn the power of attorney.”
Chattha remarked, “the prosecution seems to be in a great hurry in this case.”
“What is the urgency in recording testimonies without the presence of defence counsel?” he questioned.
“The court is waiting, call your lawyers,” replied Judge Majoka, adjourning the hearing again.
Court issues non-bailable arrest warrants
Both Mazari and Chattha failed to appear before the court for the resumption of proceedings.
The accused remained absent until the end of court hours, according to the court, with three prosecution witnesses present.
The court issued show-cause notices to both, asking why their bail should not be cancelled for their failure to appear. Consequently, non-bailable arrest warrants were also issued against both Mazari and Chattha.
“The conduct of the accused indicates that they are deliberately avoiding court proceedings,” Judge Majoka stated, adjourning the hearing until tomorrow.
