Blackmailing the victims? Reversal in Usman Mirza case irks Twitter

In July, a video of a couple being harassed and assaulted went viral on social media. The prime accused, identified as Usman Mirza, and his accomplices were taken into custody after the horrific video of the assault made rounds. The legal proceedings have since begun, with Mirza in custody. 

However, in a new development, the victims in the couple harassment case on Tuesday retracted their statement against the accused including Usman, the main suspect. The couple in their written affidavit told the trial court that they did not want to pursue the case against the main accused Usman Mirza and co-accused Hafiz Ataur Rehman, Adaras Qayyum Butt, Rehan, Umar Bilal Marwat, Mohib Bangash and Farhan Shaheen.

Soon after the news broke, many took to social media and expressed disappointment over the retraction of statements. Some Twitter users opined that blackmailing the victims is a common occurrence and the state should play a party in the case now, in order for the couple to get justice. 

A user commented how the viral video should be enough evidence to punish Mirza. 

Its easier to blame and shame the victim.
The couple in Usman Mirza case was fighting for their lives against the powerful.

The video evidence is already there, why do you need the couple to recognise the culprit? Why can't the state give protection to the couple?

— a. (@teepusahab) January 11, 2022

The victim in Usman Mirza Case has been coerced to retract her statement. There's a significant chance that the rapist might be released despite the video evidence. No society can survive without justice. This monster must never be released.@fawadchaudhry please take notice

— Fidato (@tequieremos) January 11, 2022

Usman Mirza might walk free because the two people who he tortured and raped have declined to identify him as the abuser(probably out of fear for their lives).
Our legal system is broken if the video evidence is not enough to charge him

— Zainab (@Syyeda14) January 11, 2022

Some users pointed out why it's understandable that the couple retracted their charges. 

The complainant in the case against Air BnB abuser Usman Mirza has told the court she does not wish to pursue the case against any of the accused.

I understand exactly why she may have opted not to proceed with the matter, and tbh I don't blame her at all 😢

— mightyobvious (@mightyobvious) January 11, 2022

Both victims (male & female) refused to recognise Usman Mirza in court which means he could go free.

Blackmailing has been going on since the video/case became public.#UsmanMirza even boasted in a tiktok video that he'll be out soon & thanked police officials for helping him
/1 pic.twitter.com/2SCp58Oq4U

— Shamila Ghyas (@ShamilaGhyas) January 11, 2022

Some shared how the thought of Mirza walking free would be a failure of the system. 

Forget monal, Usman Mirza is walking out of jail. Just the thought of it is enough to make my skin crawl.

— Mariam (@gottaoverthink) January 11, 2022

hearing about usman mirza is going to re-traumatize so many of us. that video was all i thought about for a few days. what becomes of hope in a country where goliath will always win

— #JusticeForNoor (@palakpakora) January 11, 2022

One user commented how the judiciary is at fault. 

Usman Mirza's case is proof of how difficult it is to get justice in a system that is rotten, easy to manipulate, and where the powerful always escape accountability.

— Salman Masood (@salmanmasood) January 11, 2022

However, in response to the same, one shared how no witness can be 'compelled to give evidence.'

Salman bhai this has nothing to do with system or law. Across the globe it’s established and accepted law and norm that no witness can be compelled to give evidence. In this case prime witness has become a hostile witness.Strong video evidence still there to get conviction

— Hassaan Niazi (@HniaziISF) January 11, 2022

Many users commented how the Usman Mirza case is an example of how power comes into play. 

Usman Mirza case has depressed me beyond comprehension. Everything about this country is so exhausting. It wears you out until you have no choice but to be a zombie. To accept that this is it. Unless you have an uncanny amount of power you’re lucky if you survive.

— mhnr (@mhnrnsr) January 11, 2022

Yesterday Shahrukh Jatoi was living a lavish life in a hospital, instead of being in prison. The day before, Noor Muqaddam still hadn’t received justice.

And today, Usman Mirza is off the hook.

[Wrote this about the #UsmanMirza incident when it first came to light.] pic.twitter.com/MbcoLPggc0

— H. (@HayMeemZay) January 11, 2022

The accused had been booked and charge-sheeted after they were arrested for stripping the couple naked, torturing them in Sector E-11 of Islamabad and later uploading their video on social media in July last year.

When Additional District and Sessions Judge Atta Rabbani took up the case for hearing, Usman Mirza and the other accused were produced before the court.

During the hearing the victims, Sundas and Asad Raza, also appeared but refused to identify the main accused Usman Mirza and other accused. They said that the whole case was prepared by the police and they submitted the affidavit to the court on their behalf.

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