War Crimes Trial
Sayedee's plea to cross-examine 3 PWs again
The defence of war crimes accused Delawar Hossain Sayedee yesterday appealed to the International Crimes Tribunal-1 to cross-examine once again three of the 28 prosecution witnesses who had testified against the Jamaat nayeb-e-ameer.
The three-member tribunal will tomorrow decide about recalling the three witnesses -- Mahbubul Alam Hawlader, Ruhul Amin Nobin and Manik Posari.
Defence counsel Mizanul Islam told the tribunal Mahbubul Alam and Posari gave interviews to the media giving their accounts of the Liberation War.
But during cross-examination they said they could not remember whether they had given interviews, said Mizanul Islam, adding, investigation officer of the case Mohammad Helal Uddin made a presentation, in which the witnesses were seen giving interviews.
Another prosecution witness Ruhul Amin during the cross-examination claimed he had completed honours from Dhaka University in 1978.
"But I assume he didn't do it," said Mizanul Islam, adding he now has evidence in favour of his assumption.
Mentioning that the investigation officer produced burned corrugated tin sheets and doorsills of Mahbubul Alam and Posari's houses as evidence against Sayedee, Mizanul said he wants to quiz them about the seized items.
The tribunal headed by Justice Md Nizamul Huq asked the prosecution how Mizanul could make the witnesses remember when they had said they could not remember it.
"Do you want to make them remember by showing the video?" said Justice Nizamul.
Prosecutor Syed Haider Ali echoed the justice.
Sayedee, who is facing 20 counts of war crimes charges, was present at the dock during the proceedings.
Later, the defence began cross-examining Helal Uddin for the 14th day and quizzed the investigation officer for two and a half hours about evidence which was exhibited by him.
The proceedings of the tribunal were adjourned until today.
Meanwhile, Ahsanul Haq Hena, defence counsel of BNP lawmaker Salauddin Quader Chowdhury, yesterday continued cross-examination of Sirajul Islam alias Shiru Bangalee.
Sirajul Islam, 64, gave deposition against Salauddin Quader, who is facing 23 specific charges of crimes against humanity committed during the Liberation War.
Sirajul Islam, the third prosecution witness in the case, said he wanted to kill Salauddin Quader and his close associate Syed Wahidul Alam during the War but failed.
During the court proceedings, Salauddin Quader was present at the dock.
Earlier, the defence drew the attention of the tribunal on different problems including shortage of chairs and tables at their room and poor condition of toilet.
In response to his prayer, Justice Nizamul Huq said journalists, visitors and staffs at the tribunal are also facing the same problems.
"These are facts... you [Ahsanul Haq] can manage to use the toilet at the next building, but what our mothers and sisters will do?" the justice said, adding he took initiative about one and a half years ago in this regard but failed.
Nizamul Huq however said he is trying to solve the problems.
The proceeding against Salauddin Quader was adjourned until today.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
Comments