An Islamabad anti-terrorism court (ATC) discharged on Saturday 32 individuals who had been arrested in connection with the D-Chowk protest, following the failure of the police to conduct an identification parade.
According to details, Judge Abul Hasnat Zulqarnain, presiding over the case, issued the ruling after hearing the case against the accused. The 32 detainees, who had been sent for identification parades, were presented in court late at night. Judge Zulqarnain warned that if the individuals were re-arrested, the police officers involved would face handcuffing.
The investigation officer stated that the protesters were arrested on November 25, but an identification parade could not be carried out. The officer further requested physical remands of 30 days for each of the suspects.
Defence lawyer Ansar Kiyani argued that the police had failed to conduct the identification parade and were seeking remand for recovery purposes.
In response, the court ordered the removal of handcuffs from the accused within the courtroom and discharged them from the cases. The individuals, arrested in connection with the cases at Margalla and I-9 police stations, were subsequently released.
Also Read: ATC summons Islamabad DC over suspects’ non-appearance for identification parade
Earlier, it was reported that the ATC had summoned the Islamabad deputy commissioner for failing to present suspects arrested from D-Chowk for their identification parade.
The directive was issued by Judge Abul Hasnat Zulqarnain during a hearing on the matter.
Prosecutor Raja Naveed and defence lawyers appeared before the court during the session. The judge expressed displeasure over the non-appearance of suspects for the identification process and demanded an explanation. "The DC must appear in court and explain why the suspects are not being produced for the identification parade," said Judge Zulqarnain.
The court has also summoned all the relevant assistant commissioners to address the issue. The judge criticised the lack of coordination, stating, “Police officers stand outside the jail, but suspects for the identification parade are not handed over.”
Furthermore, the court instructed the police to submit case challans without delay. Judge Zulqarnain directed Prosecutor Raja Naveed to ensure the DC appears in court within 30 minutes.
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