Foreign suspects challenge detention in human placenta trade case

Three foreign nationals arrested in connection with an alleged illegal trade in human placentas have filed post-arrest bail applications before the Islamabad High Court.

According to the 24NewsHD TV channel, the court has referred the matter to the Chief Justice's Office for a decision on the reassignment of the case to another bench.

The applications were heard by Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir. The accused, identified as Li Geng Sai, Ping Fei Guo and Wang Bao, are seeking bail after the trial court rejected their earlier applications.

Appearing for the applicants, Barrister Yawar Gardezi argued that similar petitions arising from the same case are already pending before another bench of the Islamabad High Court.

He requested that the new applications also be transferred to that bench to ensure consistency in the proceedings.

Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir observed that the judge hearing the related petitions was currently on the court's summer recess and noted that waiting for those proceedings could take about a month. 

Following the submissions, the court directed that the file be sent to the Chief Justice's Office for a decision on the proposed change of bench.

The three foreign nationals are accused in a case registered by the Federal Investigation Agency's Corporate Crime Circle over the alleged illegal purchase and sale of human placentas. 

Reporter: Hashar Warriach