ICT-1
Kashem to be quizzed at safe home
The International Crimes Tribunal-1 yesterday allowed the prosecution to quiz detained Jamaat leader Mir Kashem Ali in a “safe home” in connection with crimes against humanity committed during the 1971 Liberation War.
The prosecution must inform the defence of the interrogation date two days beforehand, said the three-member tribunal, headed by its Chairman Justice Md Nizamul Huq.
A physician and a defence lawyer must be present during the questioning while provisions provided to other war crimes accused with regard to interrogations at “safe homes” must be present, said Justice Nizamul.
He also asked the prosecution to submit a progress report on the ongoing investigation or the formal charge against Kashem, Jamaat-e-Islami executive council member, at the tribunal on August 12.
The tribunal passed the order in response to a petition, filed by prosecutor Sultan Mahmud, seeking three days for the interrogation.
The petition stated that Kashem's people were threatening witnesses and Kashem needed to be cross-examined for the sake of a proper and effective investigation.
Opposing the petition, defence lawyer Tajul Islam said the prosecution could not produce any grounds to quiz Kashem and there was no connection between quizzing Kashem and intimidation on witnesses.
Kashem was produced before the tribunal yesterday.
Later, the defence counsel of Delawar Hossain Sayedee yesterday cross-examined the investigation officer of a case filed against Sayedee for his alleged involvement in crimes against humanity during the 1971 Liberation War.
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