Tag Archives: Azharul Islam

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 →

29 August 2013: ICT-1 Daily Summary – Qasem Ali Pre-Trial, Azharul Islam Pre-Trial, Nizami PW 18

Today the Tribunal heard matters in the following cases:

  1. Pre-trial Proceedings against Mir Qasem Ali
  2. Pre-trial Proceedings against Azharul Islam
  3. Chief Prosecutor vs. Motiur Rahman Nizami

In the case of Mir Qasem Ali the Tribunal was scheduled to issue its order on the Charge Framing of the case. However, the Defense previously requested additional time so that senior Defense counsel Abdur Razzak could attend. The Defense previously submitted a petition requesting that the order be scheduled for after 8 September so that senior Defense counsel Abdur Razzaq could be present to argue for the discharge of the case. The Prosecution opposed the application saying that law does not permit such a long adjournment. The Tribunal then passed an order scheduling its Charge Framing Order for 5 September 2013. In the meantime they stated that if Defense counsel Abdur Razzaq wished to appear before the Tribunal it would allow him to submit arguments in favor of discharging the case.

In the case of ATM Azharul Islam the Prosecution began their arguments on the framing of charges. The Prosecution read out the historical background of the case, claiming that in 1971 ATM Azharul Islam was a student of HSC at Karmicle College, the Rangpur unit President of Islami Chhatra Shangho, and the Al-Badr Commander of Rangpur district unit. The Prosecution has proposed 6 charges against ATM Azharul. After hearing these opening arguments the Tribunal adjourned the proceedings of the case until 3 September as the Defense submitted an application for adjournment at the beginning of today’s session.

In the case of Motiur Rahman Nizami the Tribunal recorded the testimony of Prosecution witness 18, Zahurul Haque. They then adjourned the proceedings of the case until 1 September 2013.  Continue reading →

18 August 2013: ICT-1 Daily Summary – ATM Azharul Islam and Mir Qasem Ali Pre-Trial Proceedings

Today the Tribunal heard matters in the following cases:

  1. Pre-trial proceedings against ATM Azharul Islam
  2. Pre-trial proceedings against Mir Qasem Ali 

Today in the pre-trial proceedings against ATM Azharul Islam the Tribunal was scheduled to hear arguments regarding the framing of charges against the Defendant. However, the Defense filed two applications: one for adjournment and another requesting privileged communication with the Defendant. The Defense argued that they received numerous documents from the Prosecution and had not had sufficient time to examine them. Additionally they argued they needed additional time to prepare for the hearing on the charge matter and to consult with their client. The Prosecution opposed the applications, arguing that privileged communication is not appropriate at this stage of trial. After hearing both sides the Tribunal granted both applications and set 24 August for privileged communication between ATM Azharul Islam and his two defense attorneys from 10 am to 1 pm. The Proceedings were then adjourned until 29 August 2013.

The Tribunal then turned to pre-trial proceedings against Mir Qasem Ali in which it heard the Defense’s arguments for dismissal of the proposed formal charges against the Defendant. Continue reading →

25 July 2013: ICT-1 Daily Summary – ATM Azharul Islam Cognizance of Charges, Mir Qasem Ali Defense Applications

Today the Tribunal heard matters in the following cases:

  1. Pre-trial Proceedings against ATM Azharul Islam
  2. Pre-trial Proceedings against Mir Qasem Ali

Today in pre-trial proceedings against suspect ATM Azharul Islam the Prosecution submitted the Formal Charge before the Tribunal. The Tribunal passed an order taking cognizance of the Formal Charge and numbered the case as ICT BD Case No 5 of 2013. The Tribunal also directed the Prosecution to supply the Defense with all of the documents on which the Prosecution intends to rely, as well as the full list of proposed witnesses by the end of the day. They scheduled 18 August for hearing arguments regarding framing of the charges.

The Tribunal also heard an application filed by Alim’s Defense counsel requesting medically appropriate transportation of the suspect to and from the Tribunal. The Defense submitted that the ATM Azharul Islam suffers from back pain but is transported by prison van. The Prosecution objected saying that if such accommodation was made available to all it would create difficulties for the jail authorities due to the shortage of health friendly vehicles. The Tribunal passed an order directing the jail authority to provide ATM Azharul Islam health friendly vehicle if such vehicle is available to the prison authority.

In the pre-trial proceedings against suspect Mir Qasem Ali the Tribunal heard a Defense application seeking adjournment. The Defense submitted that they need privileged communication with their client Mir Qasem Ali. The Defense also requested legible copies of some Prosecution documents. The Tribunal rejected the request for adjournment but scheduled 28 July and 1 August from 10 am to 1 pm for privileged communication between the Defense and their client. They also directed the Prosecution to supply legible copies of the concerned documents if possible. They then heard the Prosecution’s submissions regarding the proposed charges against Ali.

The Prosecution submitted that until 6 November 1971, Mir Qasem Ali was the secretary of the Islami Chhatra Shangho Chittagong division. Between 6 November and 16 December 1971 they claimed that the Accused was also the general secretary of the Provincial Committee of the Islami Chhatra Shangho. They alleged that Mir Qasem was ‘Al-Badr high command.’ Most of the crimes allegedly committed under the leadership of Qasem Ali of took place at Dalim Hotel. The Prosecution briefly read out the 14 charges proposed against Mir Qasem Ali and stated that they had submitted the investigation report, a book titled ‘Muktijudder Potovumi’ vol- 1 and 2, witness statements, map of the place of occurrence, photos, and CDs in support of the charges. The charges are proposed under sections 3(2)(a), 3(2)(g), and 3(2)(h), indicating allegations of crimes against humanity; attempt, abetment or conspiracy; and complicity. The proposed charges are also framed indicating sections 4(1) and 4(2) as the relevant modes of liability, encompassing joint criminal liability and command responsibility respectively. Among the 14 charges proposed, charges 11 and 12 are for murder while the rest are for confinement, abduction, torture and other inhumane acts.

8 May 2013: ICT-1 Daily Summary: Hartal, Azharul Islam Investigation Report and AKM Yusuf Formal Charge

Today the Tribunal heard matters in the following cases:

  1. Investigation of ATM Azharul Islam
  2. Chief Prosecutor vs AKM Yusuf

Today Prosecutor Zead Al Malum submitted the progress report of the investigation into ATM Azharul Islam and sought and additional two months time. The Tribunal granted the prayer and fixed 30 June for the submission of the next progress report or the Formal Charge.

In the Investigation of AKM Yusuf the Prosecution submitted the Formal Charge to the ICT Registrar.