Imaan, Hadi walk out of proceedings after objecting to jail trial in security breach case

RAWALPINDI: Rights activist and lawyer Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and her husband, Hadi Ali Chattha, on Friday objected to the manner of their presentation during the hearing of the security breach case, with the couple and their lawyers eventually walking out of the proceedings at Adiala jail. The defence counsel also filed an application seeking an end to the jail trial. The case pertains to the alleged disruption of a security route of an international cricket team and incitement to public unrest. Imaan and her husband have been accused of removing barriers from the route. The couple was indicted in the case on Oct 7. A day earlier, at the police’s recommendation, citing limitations in transporting the accused to court, the court directed counsels and witnesses to appear at the Adiala jail for the next hearing.

On Friday, Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra conducted the hearing inside Adiala jail, where proceedings commenced at 10:55am, according to the defence counsel present inside the makeshift courtroom. The accused were presented inside a dock located in a corner of the courtroom, prompting them to raise objections over the manner in which they were produced before the court. “This is not the proper way to present someone in court,” Imaan said, adding that they were not being allowed to meet their lawyers. Hadi complained that the two were being treated worse than terrorists. Judge Sipra, taking note of the police standing next to the accused, directed the personnel to move away and remarked: “They have been brought into the courtroom; what is the need for the police to stand right next to them? ” The defence counsel had also filed an application seeking an end to the jail trial and adjournment of the hearing on Friday. After hearing arguments…