ISLAMABAD – A local Islamabad court sentenced human rights lawyer Imaan Mazari, known for fighting enforced disappearance cases, and her husband Hadi Ali Chatha to a combined 17 years of rigorous imprisonment over allegedly controversial tweets.
The couple was hit with multiple charges under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), Section 9: 5 years each, Section 10: 10 years each, and Section 26A; 2 years each. The court also slapped them with a staggering Rs9 million fine, though all sentences will run concurrently, meaning each will serve 10 years behind bars.
Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chatha appeared via video link before Additional District and Sessions Court Judge Afzal Mujoka, announcing a bold boycott of the proceedings. The prosecution accused the couple of uploading “anti-state material” online and promoting the narratives of banned organizations such as BLA, TTP, and PTM, as well as controversial figures including Mahtab Baloch, Ali Wazir, and Manzoor Pashteen. According to the court, the prosecution successfully proved these allegations.
The couple had previously been arrested by Islamabad police in another case and sent to 14-day judicial remand by the Anti-Terrorism Court. Sources reveal that Iman Mazari and her husband were arrested without being shown any FIR while traveling in a bar association van to appear in court. Their arrest occurred near Serena Hotel, even as Islamabad High Court Bar officials were present in the vehicle.
The couple had spent three nights inside the Islamabad High Court premises to avoid arrest, but police took them into custody shortly after leaving the court on Friday. Their dramatic detention sparked outrage across legal circles, with Islamabad High Court Bar President Wajid Gilani calling for a total strike, labeling the arrests “unacceptable.”
During the trial on December 5, Iman Mazari and Hadi Ali Chatha openly challenged the court, claiming the case was unilateral and biased, and demanded it be transferred to another court. Iman Mazari, showing remarkable courage, stated she knew a seven-year sentence awaited her but was ready to serve it. Hadi Ali Chatha requested to submit a statement under Section 342 and call witnesses including the mothers of journalists Ahmed Noorani and Mudassir Naro, political figures like Sardar Akhtar Mengal, and poet Ahmed Farhad.
The trial revealed intense clashes between the couple and the state, with Hadi Ali Chatha noting that the state counsel had handled key questionnaires during witness cross-examination, leaving the accused without access until the court intervened.
In previous ruling, Islamabad High Court canceled arrest warrants against the couple, granting protective bail of Rs10,000. Yet, police allegedly ignored this, sparking criticism from journalists and legal experts alike.
Imaan Mazari boycotts court proceedings in controversial tweet case, objects to judge
