Imaan, Hadi walk out of proceedings after objecting to jail trial in security breach case

Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and her husband, Hadi Ali Chattha, walked out of a hearing at Adiala jail on Friday, objecting to the manner of their presentation and the conditions under which they were being treated. The couple and their lawyers were present during the hearing of the security breach case, which allegedly involves the disruption of an international cricket team's security route and incitement to public unrest.

The defense counsel had also filed an application seeking an end to the jail trial. Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra, presiding over the proceedings inside the jail, noted the police standing next to the accused and directed them to move away, questioning the need for their presence. After hearing arguments from the lawyers, the court announced a 20-minute recess.

Upon resuming, the prosecution witness testified, while the defense lawyer urged the court to decide on the application for adjournment. The accused and their lawyers expressed dissatisfaction with the treatment they were receiving and stated they could not continue participating in the proceedings. Imaan and Hadi were subsequently rearrested, having been in jail since their initial arrest on January 23 for protesting outside the Islamabad High Court.