Tag Archives: genocide

Special Report: Chief Prosecutor vs. Gholam Azam Verdict and Legal Findings

This special report provides a detailed overview of the factual and legal findings of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) Judgment in Chief Prosecutor vs. Professor Gholam Azam. Gholam Azam was found guilty on all five charges and sentenced to 90 years imprisonment. The Tribunal made a point of noting that he deserved the death penalty, but because of his age and illness, they saw fit to sentence him to life imprisonment instead. Arguments in the case were completed on 17 April 2013 and the verdict was issued on 15 July 2013. It was the second verdict to be issued by Tribunal 1, and the fifth verdict issued by the ICT. Our previous special report on the Gholam Azam case reported in detail on the documentary and testimonial evidence used to support each count within each distinct charge against the Defendant, as well as the general arguments made by both parties. This report focuses on the legal outcomes of the case.

The full report is available here:Special Issue No. 5 – Gholam Azam Case Verdict

26 August 2013: ICT-2 Daily Summary – AKM Yusuf Order On Defense Application

Today the Tribunal heard matters in the following cases:

  1. Chief Prosecutor vs. AKM Yusuf

Today Tribunal 2 rejected a review application filed by the Defense on behalf of AKM Yusuf seeking review of the Charge Framing Order.  Only two members of the bench were present, Justice Mozibur Rahman Miah and Justice Md Shahinur Islam. Jointly they issued an order summarily rejecting the petition by reason of the Defense’s delay in submitting the application. The Tribunal did not accept the Defense’s argument that the delay in filing the application was due to a delay in obtaining a certified copy of the original Charge Framing Order. No other cases were listed in the court ‘s daily cause list and Chairman of Tribunal 2, Justice Obaidul Hassan, is currently on leave. The Tribunal then adjourned for the day.

14 August 2013: ICT-1 Daily Summary – Chowdhury Closing Arguments, Prosecution Rebuttal

Today the Tribunal heard matters in the following cases:

  1. Chief Prosecutor vs. Salauddin Qader Chowdhury

The Tribunal heard the seventh day of the Defense’s Closing Arguments in the Salauddin Qader Chowdhury case. The Tribunal had instructed the Defense yesterday that they needed to conclude their arguments within the first hour of today’s session. After the Defense completed their arguments the Prosecution presented its rebuttal. The Tribunal then closed the case pending judgment.  Continue reading →

13 August 2013: ICT-1 Daily Summary – Chowdhury Closing Arguments

Today the Tribunal heard cases in the following matters:

  1. Chief Prosecutor vs. Salauddin Qader Chowdhury

Today the Tribunal heard an application regarding documentary evidence from Salauddin Qader Chowdhury’s Defense, as well as the sixth day of their Closing Arguments. Yesterday the Tribunal instructed the Defense to conclude their submission by today. However, the Defense failed to complete their arguments and requested additional time. The Tribunal adjourned the proceedings of the case until tomorrow and asked Defense to sum up their submission tomorrow within an hour.       Continue reading →

7 August 2013: ICT-1 Daily Summary – Chowdhury Defense Closing Arguments, Qasem Ali Pre Trial

 Today the Tribunal heard matters in the following cases:

  1. Chief Prosecutor vs. Mir Qasem Ali
  2. Chief Prosecutor vs. Salauddin Qader Chowdhury

Today the Tribunal was scheduled to hearing the Defense’s application for dismissal of the charges against Mir Qasem Ali. However, senior Defense counsel Abdur Razzak requested adjournment saying that after being granted privileged communication with Qasem Ali, the Defense had only 48 hours to prepare for the hearing. Additionally, the Defense noted that the Prosecution had only just served the Defense the type written copies of the illegible documents, numbering 38 pages. The Tribunal granted the request and adjourned the proceedings of the case until 18 August 2013.

In the Salauddin Qader Chowdhury case, Defense counsel Ahsanul Huq Hena again sought adjournment saying that he is still sick. He further stated that due to Eid his junior was on leave. Without anyone to assist him he said it would be difficult for him to continue. The Tribunal denied the request again saying that they cannot adjourn the case due to the personal problems or illness of a Defense counsel when there is another Defense counsel (Fakhrul Islam) available in the same case. Thereafter, Ahsanul Huq Hena continued the Defense’s Closing Arguments for the fourth day. After his submission Tribunal adjourned the proceedings of the case until 12 August 2013 and asked Defense to conclude the Closing Arguments on that day.  Continue reading →