Islamabad Court Recalls Arrest Warrants for Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha in Social Media Case

An Islamabad court recently withdrew non-bailable arrest warrants previously issued against prominent human rights activist and lawyer Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and her husband, Advocate Hadi Ali Chattha. The warrants were related to a social media posts case. The National Cybercrime Investigation Agency (NCIA) had filed a case against the couple, accusing them of attempting to incite linguistic divisions and portraying the armed forces as involved in terrorism within the country through their online activities. Both Mazari and Chattha had denied these charges last week when Additional District and Sessions Judge (ADSJ) Muhammad Afzal Majoka indicted them.

The initial arrest warrants were issued due to the couple’s repeated non-appearance in court. However, Mazari and Chattha claimed they had indeed appeared and labeled the proceedings a “sham trial.” At today’s resumed hearing, after earlier adjournments due to their absence, the couple finally appeared before ADSJ Majoka. Mazari requested time to secure legal counsel, arguing that the rapid pace of the trial infringed upon their rights and stating, “We are being punished for speaking the truth.” She also requested the indictment be read aloud, a request the judge noted had been fulfilled three times already.

Chattha also sought to remove the state counsel appointed for him, a matter the court clarified was handled by the relevant committee. The prosecutor, however, opposed granting more time and advocated for witness statements to be recorded. ADSJ Majoka directed that Mazari’s power of attorney for her counsel be submitted by Saturday, adjourning the hearing to that day. Arguments regarding the state counsel’s continuation will also be heard then. Following the couple’s appearance, the court suspended the arrest warrants. Mazari later took to X (formerly Twitter) to voice her concerns about the trial’s fairness and speed. This ongoing legal battle concerning social media free speech continues to draw significant public attention.

Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1953506/islamabad-court-withdraws-non-bailable-arrest-warrants-issued-against-imaan-mazari-spouse