Category Archives: War Crimes Studies Center

19 November 2013: ICT-1 Daily Summary – Motiur Rahman Nizami, Closing Arguments; Zahir Hossain Khokon, Opening Statements

Today the Tribunal heard matters in the following cases:

  1. Chief Prosecutor vs. Motiur Rahman Nizami
  2. Chief Prosecutor vs. Zahir Hossain Khokon

In the case of Motiur Rahman Nizami, the Defense concluded their closing arguments. Today the Defense focused on legal arguments. The Tribunal set tomorrow, 20 December 2013 for Prosecution to make rebuttal arguments in the Case.

In the case of Zahir Hossain Khokon, the Prosecution made opening statements. The Prosecution went through all 11 of the charges brought against Khokon for crimes against humanity, genocide, and for attempt, abetment or conspiracy to commit crimes, and complicity in or failure to prevent any such crimes. The Prosecution read out the historical background of the case, describing Khokon as Razakar commander of Nogaorkanda Police Station of Faridpur. The Prosecution further submitted that, in 1971, Knokon was an accomplice to the Pakistani Army and was an activist of Jamaat-e-Islami. Continue reading →

18 November 2013: ICT-2 Daily Summary – Mir Quasem Ali, Defense Motions and Opening Statements again delayed; AKM Yusuf, PW-8

Today the Tribunal heard matters in the following cases:

  1. Chief Prosecutor vs. Mir Quasem Ali
  2. Chief Prosecutor vs. AKM Yusuf

ICT-2 heard two separate Defense applications today, filed on behalf of accused Mir Quasem Ali. One sought disclosure of Prosecution documents, and the second sought disclosure of further details about Prosecution witnesses. The Tribunal granted the former but not the latter. The Prosecution then sought adjournment of the case until 10 December.  The Court directed the Prosecution to provide the Defense copies of all the documents pertinent to their motion on or before 25 November 2013.

In the case against AKM Yusuf, the Tribunal recorded the examination-in-chief of PW-8, and the Defense began cross-examination before retiring for the day. The testimony of PW-8 supports Charges 10, 11, and 13 faced by the Accused. Continue reading →

18 November 2013: ICT-1 Daily Summary – Motiur Rahman Nizami, Closing Arguments

Today the Tribunal heard matters in the following case:

  1. Chief Prosecutor vs. Motiur Rahman Nizami

In the case of Motiur Rahman Nizami, the Defense placed their submission for the 3rd day. The Defense show the Tribunal inconsistencies found between testimonies of different prosecution witnesses. The Defense made submissions on charge numbers 2, 4, 6, 11, 12, 13 and 14. Thereafter, the Defense prayed for another day and the Tribunal adjourned the proceedings of the case until tomorrow, 19 December 2013. Continue reading →

17 November 2013: ICT-1 Daily Summary – Motiur Rahman Nizami, Closing Arguments; Mobarak Hossain, Prosecution Case-in-Chief

Today the Tribunal heard matters in the following cases:

  1. Chief Prosecutor vs. Motiur Rahman Nizami
  2. Chief Prosecutor vs. Mobarak Hossain

In the case of Motiur Rahman Nizami, the Defense cross-examined the investigation officer Shyamol Chowdhury, PW-12.

In the case of Mobarak Hossain, the Tribunal heard an application filed by Defense under Rule 26(3) of the Rules of Procedure 2010 for review of the Order dated 13 November 2013 closing the proceedings of the instant case to allow the Defense to complete their concluding arguments. The Tribunal disposed off the application with observation and allowed Defense to complete their closing arguments in 2 days. Thereafter, the Defense made submissions on charge numbers 16, 3, 8, 1, 10, 7 and 9.     Continue reading →