8 Sept 2013: ICT-1 Daily Summary – Nizami PW 19 and 20

Today the Tribunal heard matters in the following cases:

1. Chief Prosecutor vs. Motiur Rahman Nizami

In the case of Motiur Rahman Nizami the Defense conducted the cross-examination of Abu Sama Fakir, Prosecution witness 19, who testified in support of charge 4. The Tribunal then recorded the testimony of Tohurul Alam Mollah, Prosecution witness 20, who testified in support of charge 5. The Tribunal then adjourned the proceedings of the case until tomorrow, 9 September 2013.

In the case of ATM Azharul Islam today was scheduled for the Defense’s submissions on the framing of charges. However, the Tribunal adjourned the proceedings of the case until 18 September 2013. Continue reading →

8 September 2013: ICT-2 Daily Summary – Abdul Alim, Prosecution Closing Arguments

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.

1-5 September 2013: ICT-1 Daily Summaries

From 1 to 5 September 2013 our observer was on leave. These summaries have been compiled from media coverage of the proceedings:

Summary of 1st September
In case of Motiur Rahman Nizami, the Defense conducted the cross-examination of Johurul Haque, Prosecution witness 18. Thereafter, Tribunal adjourned the proceedings of the case until tomorrow, 2 September 2013.

Summary of 2nd September
On 22 August Tribunal heard a petition filed by the Prosecution requesting the Tribunal to issue an order of contempt under section 11(4) of the ICT Act 1973 and Rule 45 of the Rules of Procedure against Human Rights Watch Board of Directors, Executive Director of Asia Division Brad Adams, and Associate of Asia Division Storm Tiv. Continue reading →

5 September 2013: ICT-2 Daily Summary – Ashrafuzzaman Khan and Chowdhury Mueen Uddin, Examination of PW-21; AKM Yusuf, Examination of PW

Today the Tribunal heard matters in the following cases:

  1. Chief Prosecutor vs. Ashrafuzzaman Khan & Chowdhury Mueen Uddin
  2. Chief Prosecutor v. AKM Yusuf

Tribunal 2 recorded the testimony of two Prosecution witnesses, one in the case against Ahrafuzzaman Khan and Chowdhury Mueen Uddin and the other in the case against AKM Yusuf.

Ashafuzzaman and Mueen are being tried jointly and in absentia, as one resides in New York and the other in London. Sazzad, who gave testimony in this case as PW-21 told the tribunal that Ashrafuzzaman Khan had been a tenant in their Nakhalpara house and stayed there occasionally during the War of Liberation in 1971.

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4 September 2013: ICT-2 Daily Summary – Abdul Alim, Prosecution Closing Arguments

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.

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