Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha appeal 10-year sentences in IHC
Lawyers Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha have filed appeals in the Islamabad High Court against their 10-year sentences. They also seek suspension of the sentences and release until the appeals are decided.
- The couple filed appeals in the Islamabad High Court on Friday, 6 November.
- An anti-terrorism court in Rawalpindi sentenced them on 29 October to 10 years each.
- They argue the trial did not meet fair trial requirements.
- The IHC has assigned case numbers to the appeals.
Human rights lawyers Imaan Mazari and her husband Hadi Ali Chattha filed appeals in the Islamabad High Court on Friday against the sentences handed to them in the barrier removal, or security breach, case. Geo News reported that the IHC assigned case numbers to the appeals.
The appeals were filed by defence lawyers Faisal Siddiqui, Riasat Ali Azad and Zainab Janjua. Along with the appeals, the couple submitted applications asking the court to suspend their sentences and release them on bail until the appeals are decided. Express News reported that the appeals ask the court to set aside the trial court's sentence.
According to Geo News, an anti-terrorism court in Rawalpindi sentenced both on 29 October to 10 years in prison and fines of Rs100,000 each under the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997. They received a further two years and a Rs50,000 fine under Section 353, and one more year and a Rs50,000 fine under Section 186. The court gave them the benefit of Section 382 and ruled that all sentences would run concurrently, making 10 years in total.
The case was registered at Aabpara Police Station on 25 October 2024. Geo News said it stems from allegations that the couple interfered in state affairs during an international cricket team's visit in October 2024. The court indicted them on 7 October.
The appeals argue that the trial court did not fulfil the requirements of a fair trial and cite judicial precedents on the lack of fair trial. According to Express News, they also say the jail trial was conducted like a secret trial, contrary to Article 10 of the Constitution.
24 News quoted Emaan Mazari as saying the "trial court did fulfil requirements of fair trial and fabricated and politically-motivated case was registered to keep them under pressure". The wording as reported conflicts with the appeals' stated argument, so it is given here as published.
Why it matters
The appeals will be heard by the Islamabad High Court, which will decide whether the sentences are suspended or set aside. Readers who follow the prosecution of prominent figures and how courts handle such cases will watch the outcome. The case also raises the question of fair trial standards in jail trials, which the appeals cite under Article 10.
