Islamabad Anti-Terrorism Court Sets October 14 Hearing for Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha
Human rights activist Imaan Mazari and her husband, lawyer Hadi Ali Chattha, appeared before an Islamabad Anti-Terrorism Court via video link on Monday, geo.tv reported. Judge Tahir Abbas Supra presided over the proceedings concerning a case over the removal of security barriers. The court ordered that their defense attorneys be granted prison access and adjourned the hearing until October 14.
Security Barrier Case Originates from October 2024 Visit
The legal proceedings stem from an FIR registered at the Aabpara Police Station. Authorities allege the couple interfered in state affairs and created security risks during an international cricket team’s visit in October 2024. Earlier in the week, the Islamabad ATC formally indicted Mazari and Chattha. The defense objected to the indictment, pointing out that the accused had not received copies of the required case documents.
Defense Challenges Prison Restrictions and Video Link Discrepancies
During Monday’s session, Advocate Hadi Ali Chattha told the court that their ongoing eight-month imprisonment prevents a fair trial and blocks them from properly pursuing their defense. Lawyer Riasat Ali Azad supported this argument, stating the case cannot proceed without document access and client consultation. Chattha also raised objections regarding prison meeting conditions, noting that cameras are installed during consultations with lawyers.
Judge Supra addressed separate discrepancies in reports submitted by Adiala Jail authorities regarding video link appearances. The court questioned why jail officials cited internet connectivity issues to block Mazari’s production in another case on October 10, when she successfully appeared via video link for the barrier-removal case on the exact same date. The judge directed authorities to produce Mazari via video link on October 19 for a separate case involving Ali Wazir.
Islamabad High Court Petitions and Upcoming Schedule
Defense counsel informed the court of plans to challenge an October 10 trial court order at the Islamabad High Court. That previous order disposed of a petition that challenged the terrorism provisions applied to the case. Judge Supra noted that any ruling by the Islamabad High Court allowing that application would automatically conclude the proceedings in the trial court.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha indicted?
The Islamabad ATC indicted the couple under terrorism and other provisions related to allegations that they interfered in state affairs and posed a security risk during an international cricket team’s visit in October 2024.
What specific orders did Judge Tahir Abbas Supra issue during the hearing?
Judge Supra ordered that defense lawyers Riasat Ali Azad, Zainab Janjua, and Aimal Khan be permitted to meet Mazari and Chattha in jail. He also instructed authorities to produce Mazari via video link for a separate Ali Wazir case on October 19.
When is the next court date for the barrier-removal case?
The Anti-Terrorism Court adjourned the security barrier case until October 14.
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