From Dawn · Malik Asad · · 2m
IHC takes up Imaan and Hadi's appeals against framing of charges
Islamabad High Court reviews human rights lawyers' challenge to terrorism charges in security breach case.
In brief
Islamabad High Court reviews human rights lawyers' challenge to terrorism charges in security breach case. Islamabad High Court heard appeals from human rights lawyers Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha against anti-terrorism court's framing of charges in a security breach case. Originally reported by Dawn.
IHC takes up appeals
Islamabad High Court heard appeals filed by human rights lawyer Imaan Mazari and her husband Hadi Ali Chattha against anti-terrorism court order rejecting their petitions challenging framing of charges in security breach case.
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Appeals challenge framing
The lawyers argued the anti-terrorism court lacked authority to frame charges without providing accused copies of documents and reading charges in their presence.
Case background
Imaan and Hadi were arrested on Jan 23 for protesting outside Islamabad High Court and allegedly manhandling IHC Bar Association president.
Initial conviction
A sessions court sentenced them to 17 years under Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act for social media posts in a case that drew UN condemnation.
Supreme Court reprieve
Supreme Court suspended their sentences pending Islamabad High Court's final verdict on appeals against trial court's decision.
Rearrest
Islamabad police rearrested them hours later in connection with another case registered at Kohsar police station on March 22 last year.
New charges
The fresh case accused them of chanting anti-government slogans and blocking roads with no anti-terrorism provisions added initially.
FIR sections
The FIR included sections 188, 341, 506, 353, and 186 of the law for disobedience, wrongful restraint, criminal intimidation, assault, and obstruction.
Court hearing
A division bench comprising Justice Inaam Ameen Minhas and Justice Shahrukh Arjumand heard the matter with Riasat Ali Azad and Zainab Janjua appearing.
Challenges to framing
Counsel argued the accused had not received copies of documents and charges were not read in their presence as they were not physically present.
Video link issue
The court initially heard proceedings via video link but shifted to jail trial after recent hearing.
Signature problem
The charge document bore counsel's signature but lacked accused signatures legally required for framing.
Defense request
Counsel requested video recording of proceedings to prove accused were not present when documents signed.
Court response
Justice Minhas noted defense had not intended to accept copies and said court would issue order after responses.
Next steps
Jail trial scheduled for 2:30pm Monday with court to decide how to proceed after responses.
The short version
Islamabad High Court heard appeals from human rights lawyers Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha against anti-terrorism court's framing of charges in a security breach case.
