International Crimes Tribunal-2 (ICT-2) set June 2 to go through the video clippings containing the speeches of three Jamaat-e-Islami leaders about the trial of crimes against humanity.
The tribunal, chaired by Justice Obaidul Hassan, took the decision on Wednesday following a time prayer from the defence. The three Jamaat-e-Islami leaders — acting secretary general of the party Rafiqul Islam Khan, central executive committee member Hamidur Rahman Azad, MP, and assistant secretary general of Dhaka city unit Jamaat Selim Uddin — are facing contempt charge for their remarks on sub judice cases at the tribunal.
The tribunal also decided to hold hearing on the issue on June 2.
Out of three contemnors, Selim was produced before the tribunal, while the other two are yet to surrender to the tribunal.
Advocate SM Shahjahan appeared for defendant.
Azad and Selim made the comments at a rally at Motijheel square on February 4, while Rafiqul’s remark came at a news briefing on February 5. Their comments were aired on different television channels and published in different newspapers.
In a suo moto move, the tribunal issued contempt notice upon them on February 7 as it considered the Jamaat leaders’ remarks provocative and derogatory.
The tribunal asked the Jamaat trio to appear before it on February 20 and explain as to why contempt proceedings should not be initiated against them for passing contemptuous remarks.
But the Jamaat leaders did not appear before it. The tribunal issued arrest warrant against them on March 6 for their non-appearance.
Out of three leaders, police only managed to arrest Selim Uddin.
The tribunal granted bail to Selim on March 10. Selim was also exempted from personal appearance before the tribunal to face the charge.
-With The Independent input
