Lawyers file appeals against their convictions in the barrier removal case, seeking suspension of sentences and release on bail pending the final decision.
ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN — WEB DESK: Human rights lawyer Imaan Mazari and her husband, Hadi Ali Chattha, have filed appeals in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) challenging their 10-year prison sentences in the barrier removal case.
The couple has also submitted separate applications seeking suspension of their sentences and release on bail while their appeals are pending.
According to repor, the appeals were filed through lawyers Faisal Siddiqui, Riasat Ali Azad and Zainab Janjua on Friday.
Lawyers challenge trial court’s verdict
In their appeals, Mazari and Chattha maintained that the trial court failed to fulfil the legal requirements of a fair trial.
They also referred to various judicial precedents concerning transparency and fairness in criminal proceedings.
The appellants argued that the jail trial was conducted in a manner resembling a secret trial, allegedly violating Article 10 of the Constitution of Pakistan.
They have asked the Islamabad High Court to set aside the sentences awarded by the trial court.
Request for suspension of sentences
Through separate applications, the lawyers have requested the high court to suspend the prison sentences and grant bail to both appellants until their appeals are finally decided.
The applications seek immediate relief while the main appeals remain under consideration.
However, the filing of appeals does not automatically suspend the convictions or guarantee the release of the appellants.
Background of the case
The Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) had sentenced Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha to 10 years in prison each, along with fines, in the case involving the removal of barriers.
The latest appeals challenge the trial court’s verdict on grounds that the proceedings did not meet the requirements of a fair and transparent trial.
The Islamabad High Court will consider the legal challenges and requests for suspension of sentences.
