High Treason Case: Non-bailable Arrest Warrants Issued For Cyril Almeida

The court also ordered the authorities to put Almeida’s name on the Exit Control List (ECL).

Islamabad (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – 24th September, 2018) The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Monday issued non-bailable arrest warrants for journalist Cyril Almeida who is known for the infamous Dawn Leaks and had interviewed Nawaz Sharif where he gave controversial statement regarding Mumbai attacks.

A three-member full bench, headed by Justice Mazahar Ali Naqvi, was hearing the treason petition against former prime ministers Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Nawaz, and journalist Cyril Almeida.

The arrest warrants have been issued as Almeida failed to appear before the court in three hearings of the case pertaining to leaking sensitive information.

The court also ordered the authorities to again put Almeida’s name on the Exit Control List (ECL).

Meanwhile, Defence counsel Advocate Naseer Bhutta told the court that Nawaz was unable to appear before it as people were frequently visiting him to condole the death of his wife Begum Kulsoom. He further requested the court to fix the hearing for a date after his wife's chaliswan (forty days of mourning).

Accepting to the postponement request, Justice Naqvi fixed the hearing for October 8.

He ordered Nawaz to appear before the court in person at the next hearing and issued non-bailable arrest warrants for Almeida.

The petition, lodged by Advocate Azhar Siddiqui, alleges that Abbasi shared crucial details of the National Security Council (NSC) meeting with Nawaz following his statements on the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.

By leaking details of the NSC Abbasi committed high treason, the petition says.

The petitioner had argued that Nawaz's controversial interview to a newspaper had dented the country’s image and sovereignty. He further alleged that Abbasi supported Nawaz in the matter.

The petitioner further prayed upon the court to order a treason trial against the three respondents.

On June 26, a full bench of the LHC had issued notices to Abbasi and Nawaz. Action was sought against Nawaz Sharif on charges of defaming state institutions while Abbasi is being tried for disclosing minutes of the National Security Council’s meeting to Nawaz Sharif.

In July, the court had decided to adjourn the hearing until after the general elections.