Tag Archives: ICT

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

9 September 2013: ICT-1 Daily Summary – Nizami Cross-Examination of PW 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 Tohurul Alam Mollah, Prosecution witness 20. Thereafter the Tribunal adjourned the proceedings of the case until tomorrow, 10 September, 2013. Continue reading

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

1 September 2013: ICT-2 Daily Summary – Alim DW 2, Khan& Mueen Uddin PW 20

Today the Tribunal heard matters in the following cases:

  1. Chief Prosecutor vs. Abdul Alim
  2. Chief Prosecutor vs. Ashrafuzzaman Khan &Chowdhury Mueen Uddin

In the Abdul Alim case, Tribunal 2 recorded the examination-in-chief and cross-examination of Defense witness 2. Additionally, in the case of Ashrafuzzaman Khan and Chowdhury Mueen Uddin, who are jointly being tried in absentia, the Tribunal recorded the testimony of Prosecution witness 20. The witness’ testimony supports Charge 7, concerning the abduction and killing of Professor Mofazzal Haider Chowdhury.  The testimony also refers to the killing of Professor A.M. Munir Chowdhury, contained within Charge 8. 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