ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): Islamabad session court has sentenced lawyer and activist Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha to 10 years in prison in a case related to controversial tweets.
This verdict was given when the accused did not proceed with the cross-examination of the witnesses produced by the prosecuting side despite directions given to the accused by the High Court.
Additional Sessions Judge Afzal Majuka issued a 22-page written order. Under Section 9 of the PECA Act, 5 years imprisonment, a fine of Rs 5 million, and under Section ten, 10 years imprisonment and a fine of Rs 30 million were given by the court.
Moreoverm Under Section 26A, 2 years imprisonment and a fine of Rs 1 million were sentenced to them. A total fine of Rs 36 million was imposed on both accused.
Both Mazari and Chatha were absent from the court proceedings as a sign of protest against the date fixed for the case.In view of the judicial remand of the two accused in another case, the accused were produced before the court through video link.
During these proceedings, prosecution was conducted by Barrister Fahad, Usman Rana Advocate, and Barrister Mansoor Azam. State Counsel Taimur Janjua appeared on behalf of the accused.
The prosecution produced a total of five witnesses in support of its case, while at the same time, a challan containing more than 30 pages of record was submitted before the court in support of its case. After hearing arguments from all and assessing evidence, a sentence was issued by the court.
