Adayala Court Sentences Imaan Mazari, Hadi Chattha to 10 Years Each in Barrier Case
The ATC imposed sentences totalling 13 years under three provisions, but said the lawyers would serve 10 years each after allowing credit under Section 382-B of the CrPC.
RAWALPINDI: An anti-terrorism court has sentenced human rights lawyers Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and Hadi Ali Chattha to 10 years in prison each in the barrier-removal case, according to details of the verdict.
Under the terrorism provision, the court awarded each 10 years’ imprisonment and a fine of Rs100,000. Under Section 353 of the Pakistan Penal Code, each received two years in prison and a Rs50,000 fine. Under Section 186, each was sentenced to one year in prison and fined Rs50,000.
The sentences under the three provisions total 13 years for each defendant. The court granted them the benefit of Section 382-B of the Code of Criminal Procedure, which allows the period already spent in custody for the offence to be considered against the prison sentence. The court’s order, as reported, means they will serve 10 years each.
Verdict Announced at Adiala Jail
ATC Judge Tahir Abbas Supra announced the verdict at Adiala Jail. The case concerned allegations that Mazari and Chattha removed security barriers and interfered with official duties during arrangements for an international cricket team’s visit. The prosecution presented seven witnesses, and the court had completed final arguments before delivering its decision.
The Section 182 reference in the supplied notes appears to be a typo; the relevant provision concerning credit for time spent in custody is Section 382-B CrPC.
