Islamabad, 28 Aug, 2023 (GNP): Human rights advocate Imaan Mazari faced a turbulent turn of events as she was re-arrested in Islamabad shortly after obtaining bail from an anti-terrorism court.
The court’s approval of her post-arrest bail petition in connection to a sedition case was swiftly followed by her detention outside Adiala Jail. A police presence had been maintained outside the facility, anticipating her release.
Subsequently, the Islamabad police disclosed this sequence of events, indicating that the case against Imaan had been filed at Bara Kahu police station under the Anti-Terrorism Act.
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ATC judge Abulhasnaat Zulqarnain heard Imaan’s request for bail earlier in the day. The legal team and her mother, Shireen Mazari, appeared in court.
Under court order, Imaan’s speech from a political gathering was presented as evidence. However, the prosecutor contested her bail plea, citing pending reports on a USB and the need for forensic testing of the speech.
Despite these arguments, the court granted Imaan bail upon submitting surety bonds amounting to Rs30,000.
Notably, the initial bail application was slated for August 28, but the preceding Saturday’s hearing was adjourned.
Imaan’s arrest on August 20 followed her social media post about intruders at her residence. The incident was linked to her participation in a political rally and led to her subsequent legal entanglements.
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Following the rioting and dacoity charges, Imaan was granted bail by an Islamabad ATC on August 22.
However, she was later sent to Adiala Jail on a 14-day judicial remand due to a sedition case involving her controversial remarks against state institutions.
Both Imaan and PTM MNA Ali Wazir, faced accusations of sedition, obstructing government officials, and causing damage to public property.
