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AKM Yusuf's War Crimes Trial

Prosecution's laxity prompts proceedings adjournment

Staff Correspondent
International Crimes Tribunal (ICT)-2 yesterday adjourned case proceedings against Jamaat-e-Islami leader AKM Yusuf until Sunday, expressing discontent over the prosecution's "lack of preparation"
Hearing a defence petition which stated that the 87-year-old was not well and has been facing physical problems travelling between ICT-2 and Kashimpur Jail in Gazipur in the cold, the tribunal also exempted him from personal appearance.
However, the tribunal directed the jail authorities to produce the historically known founder of the infamous Razakar force during the 1971 Liberation War "only when asked" The prosecution did not oppose the petition.
Following another defence petition, ICT-2 permitted Yusufs lawyers to inspect the case's investigation report.
Yesterday Azab Uddin Mia, who is both the 20th prosecution witness and seizure list witness, began giving his testimony.
The case's investigation officer (IO), Helal Uddin, had seized copies of a large number of newspapers from the Bangla Academy library and Azab, an assistant librarian there, was supposed to exhibit those.
But when the tribunal asked Mohammad Zahid Imam, a junior prosecutor, to exhibit the documents having contents concerning the accused, he seemed to be perplexed.
Hrishikesh Saha, the case's conducting prosecutor, and Syed Haider Ali, who on several occasions represented the prosecution, were absent yesterday.
Justice Md Shahinur Islam, one of the three members of the tribunal, led by Justice Obaidul Hassan and which includes Justice Md Mozibur Rahman Miah, said, "As a prosecutor you have to exhibit those (documents) concerning the accused...You did not do your homework."
"It seems you did not study properly," said Justice Hassan, adding, "This is not fair. You cannot keep us sitting idle. This is very valuable public time."
"We should impose a fine (on you)," said Justice Miah.
Another prosecutor, Saiful Islam, said, "They (the assigned prosecutors) did not go into the details and we need some more time.
"Do not come to the court without preparation," Justice Hassan said. Azab is expected to resume giving his testimony on Sunday.
Yusuf is facing 13 charges of crimes against humanity and genocide committed in greater Khulna district during the Liberation War.
Meanwhile, ICT-2 also adjourned case proceedings against another Jamaat leader, Mir Quasem Ali, until today following a plea of his counsel, Mizanul Islam, citing "physical problems".
Quasem is facing 14 charges of crimes against humanity committed during the Liberation War.