Court Sentences Imaan Mazari Husband In Tweets Case

ISLAMABAD: (Web Desk) – An Islamabad district and sessions court on Saturday sentenced rights activist and lawyer Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and her husband Hadi Ali Chattha to 17 years of imprisonment each in a controversial tweets case.

The verdict was announced by the court of Additional District and Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka after the accused boycotted the proceedings earlier in the day.

According to court proceedings, the Islamabad High Court had directed the accused to complete cross-examination of witnesses by Saturday, terming it the final opportunity. However, both Imaan and Hadi refused to participate in the trial and appeared briefly through a video link due to being on judicial remand in another case. Police cited security concerns and logistical constraints in transporting the accused from jail, prompting the court to allow their appearance via video link.

Iman Mazari and Hadi Ali Sent to Jail on 14-Day Judicial Remand

During the hearing, technical issues delayed proceedings before the accused finally appeared online. When asked to begin cross-examination, Imaan questioned the presence of media in court and alleged mistreatment in custody, claiming denial of food and water. Addressing the judge, she criticized the trial process before announcing a boycott of the proceedings along with her husband. Despite the court’s advice to remain present, both left the virtual hearing.

The prosecution presented five witnesses and submitted a challan exceeding 30 pages, alleging that the accused promoted the agenda of PTM and other banned organizations and circulated material against state institutions. Several tweets and a speech attributed to Imaan Mazari were presented as evidence. Following the boycott, the court directed that the entire proceedings be recorded and placed on record before announcing the verdict.

The arrest and sentencing of the lawyer couple have drawn criticism from human rights organizations, journalists, and political figures, who have raised concerns over due process and the right to a fair trial