Today the Tribunal heard matters in the following case:

1. Chief Prosecutor vs. Abdul Alim

Defense counsels for the accused Mr. Abdul Alim started the Defense closing submission on behalf of the accused before Tribunal 2. Learned advocate for the defense Mr. Tajul Islam opened the Defense submission, followed by Mr. Ahsanul Haque Hena. The Defense submission is scheduled to continue for at least two more working days before the Prosecution gets a brief chance to reply on law points of the case.

Overview of Arguments

a)    Background of the accused Abdul Alim and his whereabouts in 1971.

b)   Defense arguments pertaining to the legal issues of double jeopardy, tri-partite agreement, political trial and selective prosecution

Defense Counsel Mr. Tajul Islam opened the closing submission of the defense in Alim’s case. At the onset of the submission, the counsel gave a detailed account of the Accused‘s educational and political background. Continue reading →

Today the Tribunal heard matters in the following case:

1. Chief Prosecutor vs. Abdul Alim

Prosecutor Rana Das Gupta continued his closing submissions from 4 September 2013 in the case against Abdul Alim. The Prosecution once again reiterated the strong position of authority Alim appeared to have.  Counsel contended that the accused Alim had been at the core of the crimes against humanity that took place in Laipurhat. Prosecutors argued that he was so powerful that his own accomplices as well as members of the Pakistani army used to execute his orders. The Prosecution also submitted that the Peace Committee and Rajakar men referred the family members of detainees to go to Abdul Alim to procure the release of their loved ones. Referring to the testimony of multiple witnesses, Prosecutor Rana submitted that there were instances where the family members were also compelled to give cash and gold jewelry to Alim in order to facilitate the release of a prisoner. The fate of the detainees lay in the hands of the Accused, and according to the Prosecution, many were killed in accordance with his will.

The Prosecutor reviewed testimony from witnesses who had corroborated each of the charges in the indictment. It became clear during this evidentiary review, that no evidence in support of Charge 4 or 5 had been adduced.  Accordingly, Prosecutors made no submissions in support of these two charges in closing arguments.

Prosecutor Dr Tureen Afroz is expected to give detailed submissions on legal points later this week, on 11 September 2013.

Today the Tribunal heard matters in the following case:

1. Chief Prosecutor vs. Abdul Alim

 Prosecutor Rana Das Gupta opened the closing arguments on behalf of the Prosecution in the case against Abdul Alim. He mainly confined himself to discussing evidentiary aspects of the case, including referring to the specific pieces of documentary evidence. Prosecutor Tureen Afroz is expected to make additional submissions on the key legal arguments of the Prosecution.

Continue reading →