ISLAMABAD: The couple accused of being tortured and stripped naked by accused Usman Mirza and his accomplices appeared before a district and sessions judge in Islamabad on Wednesday, a day after the court issued arrest warrants for them for failing to appear in court.
After being detained for stripping the couple naked, torturing them in Sector E-11 of Islamabad, and then posting their footage on social media in July of last year, the accused were booked and indicted.
The victims had previously revoked their earlier statement, claiming that the police had submitted it on their behalf. They’d also failed to acknowledge the main suspect and his accomplices.
Judge Atta Rabbani decided the viral video should be aired in the courtroom as the proceedings started today. The hearing was then transformed to an in-camera session, with journalists and other non-essential people being asked to leave.
One of the victims, Asad, revealed he had an intermediate degree throughout the hearing. “I used to work in real estate, but since the video went viral, I haven’t been able to find work,” he claimed, adding that he was living with his parents due to unemployment.
“In connection with this matter, I went to Golra police station four or five times,” he claimed, adding that he did not record a statement on July 8. Inspector Shafqat requested him to sign a blank piece of paper, he added.
During cross-examination, the prosecutor asked him if the suspects in the video were Mirza and his collaborators, as per his affidavit. The lawyer inquired, “Can you tell me what happened on that day?”
“Yes, I recall the events of the incident, but I am unable to share them with you at this time,” Asad stated, adding that he couldn’t recall the colour of the clothing he and the other victim were wearing. During the in-camera session, the prosecutor also cross-examined the girl, after which the court delayed the case.
