Imaan Mazari moves SC to halt verdict in controversial tweet case

Lawyer and rights activist Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir on Thursday filed an urgent application in the Supreme Court (SC) seeking an early hearing in her bid to halt the ongoing trial against her and her husband, Advocate Hadi Ali Chattha, in the controversial tweets case. 

According to the 24NewsHD TV channel, Imaan Mazari argued that the trial is moving at such speed that a verdict could be delivered within days, rendering their pending appeals ineffective.

In her petition, Imaan Mazari contended that the Islamabad High Court (IHC) refused to grant a stay order and instead adjourned the matter for two weeks. 

She warned that if the trial court issued a conviction before the apex court hears the case, their constitutional right to due process would be irreparably harmed.

The plea follows developments earlier in the day when Islamabad District and Sessions Judge Afzal Majoka adjourned the case until Tuesday for final arguments and indicated that the verdict would likely be announced after arguments conclude.

Yesterday, Lawyer and rights activist Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and her husband, Advocate Hadi Ali Chattha have moved the SC to stop their trial in the controversial tweets case.

Advocate Mazari and Advocate Hadi Ali Chattha filed an appeal in the apex court against IHC's refusal to issue a stay order on the trial petition. The appeal was filed through Advocate Faisal Siddiqui. The counsel demanded a stay order on the trial in the District and Sessions Court.

They contended that their constitutional right to a fair trial was denied by the court, which recorded evidence in their absence. The petitioner said that the statements of 4 prosecution witnesses were recorded in their absence.

Advocate Mazari and Advocate Hadi Ali Chattha further contended that instead of issuing a stay order, the Islamabad High Court adjourned the hearing for two weeks after issuing notice to the parties. 

The trial court was told several times that the next hearing of the case was on December 4, but the court was not listening to them.

Reporters: Amanat Gishkori and Hashar Warriach