Defence on Wednesday started placing its arguments before the International Crimes Tribunal-2 (ICT-2) in favour of war crimes accused Jamaat-e-Islami secretary general Ali Ahsan Mohammad Mujahid. During the first day’s arguments in favour of the detained Jamaat leader Mujahid, the defence claimed that the Jamaat-e-Islami secretary general was not involved in killing Journalist Siraj Uddin.
Earlier, during giving his deposition, the fourth prosecution witness in the case, Journalist Shahin Reza Nur, son of late Journalist Sirajuddin alleged that Jamaat leader Mujahid was involved in his father’s killing during the Liberation War in 1971.
Claiming that the prosecution has failed to prove the allegations brought against Jamaat leader Mujahid, the defence told the tribunal that a case was filed in connection with the killing of Journalist Sirajuddin in 1972 where Mujahid’s name was absent.
“So, it is clear that my client Mohammad Ali Ahsan Mohammad Mujahid was not involved in the killing,” said Advocate Syed Mizanur Rahman, defence counsel for the detained Jamaat leader.
However, after completion of the defence’s arguments, the three-member tribunal- 2 led by Justice Obaidul Hasan adjourned the trial proceedings till May 26.
Meanwhile, the prosecution in four business days from May 7 to 16 placed its arguments before the tribunal against Mujahid.
The tribunal started recording deposition of witnesses from August 26, 2012. A total of 17 witnesses including investigation officer of the case gave deposition so far; while Mujahid’s younger son Ali Ahmed Mabrur gave deposition as defence witness.
The prosecution charged Mujahid with committing crimes against humanity and assisting the Pakistani occupation army in the killings of intellectuals during the Liberation War in 1971. The prosecution brought allegations including killings, genocide, inciting violence and tortures against the Jamaat leader.
Earlier on June 21, the tribunal framed seven specific charges against Mujahid on crimes against humanity.
-With The Independent input
