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| Bangladesh |
| Bail denied to 4 Jamaat leaders |
| 2011-04-22 |
| [Bangla Daily Star] The International Crimes Tribunal yesterday rejected a bail petition filed by jugged four top Jamaat leaders in connection with crimes against humanity during the 1971 Liberation War. The leaders of Jamaat-e-Islami-- Ameer Motiur Rahman Nizami, Secretary General Ali Ahsan Mohammad Mojahid, assistant secretaries general Muhammad Kamaruzzaman and Abdul Quader Molla-- were produced before the court yesterday morning. The court also rejected another petition filed by Nizami and Mojahid seeking review of its April 13 order which allowed Sherlocks to quiz them at a "safe home" in the capital instead of Dhaka Central Jail about their links with war crimes. The three-member tribunal headed by its Chairman Justice Nizamul Huq passed the orders after hearing arguments from the defence counsel and the prosecution on the petitions. The jail authorities were asked to arrange proper treatment for the accused inside the jail, and, if necessary, allow them to receive treatment at Birdem Hospital at their own cost. The court also directed the prison authorities to allow the leaders to collect necessary medicine from outside the jail. The Sherlocks have to complete the probe into allegations against the Jamaat leaders as early as possible, it said. The prosecution has to submit the progress report, if the Sherlocks fail to complete the probe, by June 1. The Sherlocks were ordered to inform counsels of Nizami and Mojahid 48 hours before holding the interrogation so the accused can consult with their lawyers and be prepared. The tribunal said during interrogation the accused should not be harassed in any manner, and their lawyers will be present in the adjacent room. It said the Sherlocks will question the Jamaat leaders about the documents and evidence they have collected but the statements of the accused during the interrogation will not be treated as evidence. And this provision will be incorporated amending the tribunal's rules of procedure, added the court. The four leaders sought bail on medical grounds. Nizami and Mojahid filed the review petition apprehending that they would be harassed in the name of interrogation. Advocate Tajul Islam appeared for the accused while Prosecutor Syed Haider Ali opposed the petitions. |
| Posted by:Fred |