ISLAMABAD: The District and Sessions Court in Islamabad on Tuesday formally indicted human rights lawyer Imaan Mazari and her husband Hadi Ali Chattha in connection with a controversial tweet case that has attracted significant public and media attention.
The proceedings were presided over by Additional District and Sessions Judge Afzal Majoka, who read out the charges against both accused. However, neither Mazari nor Chattha was present in the courtroom at the time of the indictment. Instead, their associate counsel represented them before the court.
When questioned about their absence, the defense counsel informed the judge that the couple had initially appeared in court earlier in the day but subsequently left for another scheduled hearing in Rawalpindi. Judge Majoka, expressing concern, inquired under whose authorization they had departed from the courtroom.
Despite their non-appearance, the judge proceeded with the formal framing of charges. The prosecution’s witnesses were directed to appear before the court at 1:30 PM the same day to record their statements.
During the session, the defense requested a copy of the charge sheet. The court instructed that such documents could only be obtained by following the prescribed legal procedure and filing the necessary application.
Following these directions, the court adjourned the hearing, granting a recess until the afternoon session when the case is scheduled to resume with the testimony of the prosecution witnesses.
