Pakistan: Activist Imaan Mazari and her husband indicted in controversial tweet case

Islamabad: A Pakistani court has formally indicted human rights activist Imaan Mazari and her husband Hadi Ali Chattha in a controversial tweet case. The indictment was issued by Additional Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka during a hearing at the District and Sessions Court in Islamabad.

Both Mazari and Chattha pleaded not guilty to the charges, after which the court summoned all prosecution witnesses for the next hearing.

Judge Majoka directed Chattha to submit fresh surety bonds, but he refused, saying:

> “I will not submit the bonds. Even if you jail me for a year, do it. You acted illegally yesterday — you are unfit to be a judge.”

Imaan Mazari also criticized the court proceedings, stating:

> “If you want to have us arrested, then cancel my bail as well.”

Judge Majoka responded by saying,

> “My principle is that if I give you respect, I expect the same in return.”

Defense lawyer Qaiser Imam argued that the defendants are required to appear in several other cases in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and the High Court, which has caused delays in proceedings.

The court subsequently adjourned the hearing to a later date.