The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday issued a notice to the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) on appeals, seeking suspension of sentences awarded to human rights lawyer Imaan Mazari and her husband Hadi Ali Chattha in controversial tweets case. Faisal Siddiqui Advocate, Zainab Janjua and others represented Imaan and Mazari in the case.

Speaking on the occasion, Siddiqui said that the trial court gave the verdict despite the fact that the petition, seeking transfer of the case, was sub judice. He further said that the statements by two witnesses were recorded in the absence of the suspects. The lawyer went on to say, “Nobody can stop the court from giving a sentence. But at least give suspects the right to a fair trial.”

Siddiqui told the court that he had to come from Karachi for the case. “Please set the date for the hearing next time I come from Karachi,” he requested. Later, the court adjourned the case’s hearing. Also on Thursday, an anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Islamabad granted bail to Imaan and Hadi in the case of attack on the police personnel against bail bonds of Rs10,000 each.

Riasat Ali Azad, who gave arguments on behalf of the suspects, said that the case was totally false. “I have myself been nominated in the case,” he said, adding that the FIR had been filed in connection with an incident which was baseless and was fabricated.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)