Islamabad court cancels bail of Imaan Mazari, Hadi Chattha, orders arrest
Court also takes away from couple right to cross-examine witness
A court in Islamabad on Thursday issued the arrest warrants for human rights lawyer Imaan Mazari and her husband Hadi Ali Chattha in controversial tweets case and ordered the police to arrest them and put in judicial lockup, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
Additional District and Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka also ordered them to appear in court tomorrow via a video link.
Earlier, the court cancelled the bail of the couple after they failed to appear after the break.
The court also took away from them the right to cross-examination.
Tomorrow the statement will be recorded under section 342.
Islamabad District Bar Association President Chaudhry Naeem Gujjar, also a counsel for Imaan and Hadi, told the judge that Imaan wanted to cross examine Shehroze, a witness.
He, however, said that since his client was not feeling well; therefore she be allowed to cross-examine on Monday, adding no further adjournment would be sought.
The prosecution opposed delay in the cross-examination.
Prosecutor Rana Usman requested the court to take oath from the witness and start cross-examination.
The court made it clear that if the cross-examination was not completed, Imaan’s right to cross-examine would be taken away from her.
An altercation took place between Islamabad District Bar Association President Chaudhry Naeem Gujjar, counsel for Imaan, and Prosecutor Rana Usman.
Addressing Usman, Gujjar dared him to take oath from Shehroze. “I will break your legs if you do so.”
“I am the bar president; not your servant,” he shouted.
The exchange of hot words forced the judge to leave the courtroom.
Later the court adjourned the case’s hearing until tomorrow.
Reporter: Hashir Warraich