ISLAMABAD: An anti-terrorism court (ATC) on Friday directed Adiala Jail authorities to produce lawyer and human rights activist Imaan Mazari and her husband, Hadi Ali Chattha, through video link in a case registered at the Secretariat Police Station.
ATC Judge Tahir Abbas Supra heard the case and had summoned both accused in person.
However, jail authorities did not produce Mazari and Chattha before the court.
The judge adjourned the proceedings until Saturday and ordered the authorities to ensure that both accused appear through video link.
“I am fixing the case for tomorrow. Both should be produced through video link,” the judge remarked.
Couple Rearrested After Supreme Court Relief
Mazari and Chattha were arrested last week and sent to Adiala Jail on judicial remand.
The arrests came hours after the Supreme Court suspended their sentences and granted them bail in a separate case involving controversial social media posts.
Islamabad police sources said the couple was arrested in connection with a separate case registered at the Kohsar Police Station. The case includes allegations relating to an anti-state narrative, incitement and interference in government affairs.
An ATC rejected the police request for 30-day physical remand and instead sent the couple to judicial custody. The court also ordered their medical examinations.
Supreme Court Suspended 17-Year Sentences
Earlier, the Supreme Court had suspended the sentences handed to Mazari and Chattha in the controversial tweets case.
The apex court also granted them bail against surety bonds of Rs200,000 each pending the final decision in the matter before the Islamabad High Court.
In January, an Islamabad district and sessions court sentenced both lawyers to 17 years in prison under different provisions of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA).
The couple later approached the Islamabad High Court against the sentences.
The original case was registered by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency under Sections 9, 10, 11 and 26 of PECA. The FIR alleged that their social media posts attempted to create divisions along linguistic lines.
Bail Proceedings Also Underway
The couple also faces proceedings in a separate protest case.
On September 22, an ATC returned their bail petitions in the Kohsar Police Station case because the required signed powers of attorney were not available.
The court also issued notices concerning a petition against Adiala Jail authorities over the alleged failure to facilitate the signing of the documents.
The Islamabad High Court separately heard applications concerning suspension of their sentences on Wednesday. Their counsel sought disposal of those applications after the Supreme Court granted relief. The high court reserved its order on the request.
The latest ATC proceedings will resume on Saturday, when Mazari and Chattha are expected to appear through video link.
