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ISLAMABAD, Jan 24 (APP):The District & Sessions Court of Islamabad on Saturday sentenced Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha to a total of 17 years in prison each and imposed a combined fine of Rs72 million in a case related to a disputed tweet, according to a 22-page written verdict issued by the court.
The court awarded separate sentences under different sections of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) and imposed heavy fines on both convicts.
According to the verdict, both Iman Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha were sentenced to five years in prison under Section 9 of the PECA. Along with the prison term, the court imposed a fine of Rs5 million on each accused under this section.
The court further sentenced both individuals to 10 years in prison under Section 10 of the law. Under the same section, a fine of Rs30 million each was also imposed.
In addition, the court awarded two years of imprisonment under Section 26-A to both convicts and imposed an additional fine of Rs1 million each.
With all sentences combined, both Iman Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha received a total prison term of 17 years each, while the overall fine imposed on both amounts to Rs72 million.
The written order was issued by Additional Sessions Judge Afzal Majoka, who detailed the penalties and legal provisions applied in the case.
Earlier, during the hearing, Prosecutor Barrister Fahad, the state counsel, and witnesses appeared before the court. However, due to an internet issue, Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha could not be presented before the court through a video link. On the request of Adiala Jail authorities, the court granted a 20-minute break.
After the break, both accused were presented via video link. The judge asked whether cross-examination would begin. At this point, both accused announced a boycott of the court proceedings.
Before the hearing concluded, both Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha left the video link.
Judge Afzal Majoka directed the court staff to record the entire proceedings and submit the record. Defence lawyer Ashraf Gujar requested the court to summon the accused in person. The judge responded that they had appeared online, noted that the full record was available, and stated that a written order would be issued on the request.