In the controversial tweet case, Imaan Mazari appeared via video link, boycotted the court proceedings, and leveled allegations against the judge.
The hearing of the controversial tweet case against Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chatha was conducted at the District and Sessions Courts Islamabad by Additional District and Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka. During the hearing, the court directed the SSP Operations and the Deputy Director NCCIA to present the accused and ordered that they be produced in court at 10:00 am.
Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka remarked that, in light of the High Court’s order, today was the final day for cross-examination. The court then adjourned the proceedings until 10:00 am.
During further proceedings, police officials submitted their reply in court, stating that due to security issues and other reasons, 5 to 6 hours were required. Therefore, the court was requested to allow the accused to appear via video link.
The court accepted the police request and ordered that Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chatha be presented via video link at 10:30 am, while the hearing was adjourned until 10:30 am.
Later, Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chatha were presented before the court through a video link. Judge Afzal Majoka asked the accused whether they would begin cross-examination. In response, Imaan Mazari asked whether the media was present in the courtroom.
She stated that they were being subjected to torture and were not being provided food or water. Addressing the judge, she said, “You are doing your job. Everything is happening because of you. We are boycotting the court proceedings.”
Judge Afzal Majoka asked whether she meant that they did not want to be part of the proceedings and advised them to wait for the decision. At this point, Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chatha stood up and left before the conclusion of the hearing. The judge instructed the court staff to record everything and submit it to him.
During the hearing, lawyer Ashraf Gujar requested the court to summon them physically. The judge remarked that they had appeared online and stated that he would consider the request. He added that the entire proceedings had been recorded and that he would issue a written order on the request.
Meanwhile, in Rawalpindi, the District Bar Association also announced a strike today over the arrest of Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chatha.
Lawyers in Rawalpindi announced a boycott of courts and called a protest meeting at 11:30 am.
On this occasion, the Secretary of the District Bar demanded the immediate release of Imaan Mazari, while the Bar President stated that the arrest of Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chatha was unconstitutional and illegal.
Read more: Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha arrested in Islamabad
