31 December 2013: ICT-1 Daily Summary – Hartal Coverage of Abdus Sobhan, Charge Framing; Chairman of ICT-1 takes Retirement

Today the Tribunal heard matters in the following case:

1.  Abdus Sobhan

Due to blockades and political unrest, after the opposition parties called a “march for democracy,” our researcher for ICT-1 could not safely travel to the Court to attend proceedings today.  The following coverage was compiled from limited media coverage of the hearing that took place.

In the case against Abdus Sobhan, the Tribunal framed 9 charges against Sobhan and set 28 January 2014 for opening statements. However, the Chairman of ICT-1 went into retirement today, so he will step down from his position.  It is unclear when a replacement will be appointed to the post, and whether the Tribunal will convene in January in his absence.

26 December 2013: ICT-1 Daily Summary – ATM Azharul Islam, Hearing on Petition for Review of the Charge Framing Order

Today the Tribunal heard matters in the following case:

  1. Chief Prosecutor vs. ATM Azharul Islam

In the case against ATM Azharul Islam, the Tribunal recorded the testimony of a Prosecution witness in camera today. At the beginning of today’s proceedings the Tribunal asked both the Prosecution and the Defense to affirm before the Tribunal that neither would disclose the identity or the content of the testimony of this witness. The Defense sought to have four lawyers from the Defense team present during the testimony. The Tribunal granted this request. The remainder of proceedings were in closed session.

24 December 2013: ICT-1 Daily Summary – Mobarak Hossain, DW-2; Contempt Proceedings against Channel 24 and others, and Khandaker Mahbub Hossain; Zahid Hossain Khokon, PW-19 and PW-20

Today the Tribunal heard matters in the following cases:

  1. Chief Prosecutor vs. Mobarak Hossain
  2. Chief Prosecutor vs. Channel 24 and Others
  3. Chief Prosecutor vs. Khandaker Mahbub Hossain
  4. Chief Prosecutor vs. Zahid Hossain Khokon

Mobarak Hossain

In the case against Mobarak Hossain, today was set for recording testimony from Defense Witness 2. However the senior Defense Counsel for Mobarak Hossain was absent, so his junior Defense Counsel sought adjournment. The Tribunal granted the motion and adjourned the proceedings of the case until 7 January 2014.

Contempt Proceedings

On 26 September 2013, the Tribunal issued a notice towards Channel 24 and others, asking them to give reply by 10 October as to why contempt proceedings should not be initiated against them. The order particularly asked Dr. Zafrullah Chowdhury and Mahfuz Ullah to personally appear before the Tribunal to explain positions they represented about the Tribunal on a talk Show on Channel 24. The Court further ordered that Channel 24 not broadcast the impugned episode again.

Today, 24 December 2013, was set for a hearing on the matter. Dr. Zafrullah Chowdhury, Trustee of Gonosastho Kendra was present at the Tribunal, however, Mahfuz Ullah, General Secretary of Center for Sustainable Development was absent. The Tribunal ordered Mahfuz Ullah to appear before 2 pm. When he did, the Tribunal set 28 January 2014 for further hearing on these contempt matters.

Another hearing was scheduled for today in the contempt proceedings against Khandaker Mahbub Hossain, but a lawyer representing Mr. Hossain sought adjournment for 4 weeks. The Tribunal granted the request and adjourned the proceedings of the case until 23 January 2014.

Zahid Hossain Khokon

In the case against Zahid Hossain Khokon, the Tribunal recorded the testimony of Abdul Gafar Mollah (PW-19) and Prosecution Witness 20. Prosecution witness 20 gave testimony in camera. PW-19 testified in support of Charge 9, and was cross-examined by state-appointed Defense Counsel. Continue reading →

23 December 2013: ICT-1 Daily Summary – Zahid Hossain Khokon, PW-17 and PW-18

Today the Tribunal heard matters in the following case:

  1. Chief Prosecutor vs. Zahid Hossain Khokon

Zahid Hossain Khokon

In the case of Zahid Hossain Khokon, the Tribunal recorded the testimony of Iaqub Mollah, Prosecution Witness 17 and Chunnu Sheikh, Prosecution Witness 18. Both testified in support of Charge 9. The state-appointed Defense Counsel cross-examined the witnesses. Thereafter, the Tribunal adjourned the proceedings of the case until 24 December 2013. Continue reading →