Court Cancels Non-Bailable Warrants for Rights Activist and Her Husband
A district and sessions court in Islamabad made a significant decision on Thursday by canceling the non-bailable arrest warrants issued against lawyer and rights activist Imaan Mazari and her husband, Hadi Ali Chattha. The warrants were initially issued a day earlier by Additional Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka after the couple failed to appear for a hearing.
The situation took a turn when both Mazari and Chattha appeared before the court, leading to the withdrawal of the warrants. During the proceedings, Advocate Samiullah Wazir submitted a power of attorney on behalf of Chattha. Meanwhile, Mazari requested additional time to appoint her legal representative.
The court granted her until Saturday to submit her lawyer’s authorisation. This move was seen as an important step in ensuring that both parties had proper legal representation for the upcoming hearings.
Mazari expressed frustration over the case’s progress, alleging that their rights were being violated. She claimed they were being “punished for speaking the truth.” In response, Judge Majoka reminded her that the charges had already been read three times in the presence of their lawyers. This clarification aimed to address any misunderstandings about the legal process.
Chattha also raised concerns about the state counsel assigned to his case. He stated that his private lawyer was now available and requested the removal of the state counsel. However, Judge Majoka clarified that no state counsel had been appointed by the court. He directed Chattha to present his arguments on the matter at the next hearing on Saturday.
The case, filed by the National Cybercrime Investigation Agency, accuses the couple of using social media to incite linguistic divisions. They are charged under Sections 9, 10, 11, and 26 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016. These sections deal with various forms of cybercrimes, including the spread of false information and the incitement of hatred.
The legal battle surrounding this case has drawn attention from various quarters, with many questioning the implications of such charges on freedom of speech and expression. The ongoing proceedings highlight the delicate balance between maintaining public order and protecting individual rights.
As the case moves forward, the next hearing on Saturday will be crucial in determining the direction of the legal proceedings. Both Mazari and Chattha have shown determination to defend their rights, and their actions have sparked discussions about the broader implications of cybercrime laws in the country.
Key Points from the Case
- The court canceled non-bailable arrest warrants for Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha.
- The couple appeared in court, leading to the withdrawal of the warrants.
- Advocate Samiullah Wazir submitted a power of attorney on behalf of Chattha.
- Mazari requested additional time to appoint her legal representative, which was granted.
- Judge Majoka emphasized that the charges had been read multiple times in the presence of their lawyers.
- Chattha sought the removal of the state counsel, but the court clarified that no state counsel had been appointed.
- The case involves allegations of inciting linguistic divisions under PECA 2016.