Imran trial to resume after 2-week break

A hearing on Adhaalath Party leader Imran Abdulla’s terror trial – coming after a 2-week break - has been scheduled for Wednesday.

Imran’s attorney Ali Zahir said that he had been informed the hearing would be held at 1 pm, Wednesday.

AP President Sheikh Imran Abdulla's case scheduled for tomorrow (Wednesday) 1PM. @AdhaalathOffice @ShimranAb

— Ali Zahir (alipi) (@alixahir) February 9, 2016

State is prosecuting Imran by alleging that Imran’s speech during opposition rally on May 1, 2015 had encouraged violence – leading to protestors breaking through police barricades and attacking officers and damaging property.

Imran has denied the charge against him, saying that he was a peaceful man, and had never encouraged violence.

State prosecutors have presented witness testimony from an individual whose identity has been kept hidden to give evidence against Imran; while court has said that witness testimony for the defense would not be allowed since it had not been requested earlier.

It is most likely that prosecution would present video analysis report during Wednesday’s hearing.

Judge Abdul Baaree Yoosuf – who is presiding over the case – has said that a witness would be brought to the trial for purposes of the court. And that both prosecution and defense would be provided the opportunity to cross-examine the witness.

Imran was transferred from house arrest to prison on Saturday night for reasons that are unclear at the moment.