Today due to an opposition led hartal our researchers were unable to attend proceedings. We have compiled the following summary from media sources as well as through conversations with the Defense and the Prosecution.

Today the Tribunal heard matters in the following cases:

1. Chief Prosecutor vs. Gholam Azam – Defense Application for Privileged Communication with the Accused, Adjournment of Proceedings

On March 24, 2013 Tajul Islam, Defense Counsel of Gholam Azam filed an application seeking permission to meet with his client Gholam Azam. Today the Tribunal allowed the Defense’s request for privileged communication with the Accused, scheduling Abdur Razzaq, Sishir Monir and Gholam Azam to meet on 30 March from 10 am to 1 pm.

The Defense was scheduled to continue their Closing Arguments today, addressing the legal issues based on Charges 1 to 4. However, Senior Defense counsel Abdur Razzaq was not present and a junior Defense attorney requested two days of adjournment for the senior lawyer due to personal difficulties. Prosecutor Sultan Mahmud Simon opposed the prayer. The Tribunal allowed the adjournment prayer but imposed costs of Thaka 5,000 on the absent lawyer.