WAR CRIMES AD verdict in Azhar’s appeal today

The Appellate Division delivers today its  verdict in the appeal of war crime death-row convict Jamaat leader ATM Azharul Islam.

On Wednesday afternoon, a four-judge-bench led by chief justice Syed Mahmud Hossain set the schedule 112 days after the appeal hearing ended.

It would the Appellate Division’s 11th  verdict in war crime appeals after more than three years.

In March 2016, the Appellate Division disposed of the last appeal by upholding death for Jamaat leader Mir Quasem Ali.

On December 30, 2014 the International Crimes Tribunal 1 handed death to Azhar finding him guilty of aiding, facilitating and participating in atrocities in different areas of Rangpur district during the Liberation War.

At the hearing, attorney general Mahbubey Alam submitted that Azhar was a second year  science student at Rangpur Carmichael Collage and president of Islami Chhatra Sangha, as the student front of Jamaat was then called.

He also submitted that Azhar was the dreaded Al-Badr Bahini’ chief in Rangpu which committed the war crimes across the district during the Liberation War.

Defence lawyer Khandker Mahbub Hossain described Azhar’s trial as ‘selective prosecution’ as no other living Jamaat leaders and activists who had participated in the 1970 general election campaigns in Rangpur district was prosecuted for war crimes.

He submitted that Azhar, who was an 18-year intermediate student during the Liberation War, was picked in 2012 not for his role in 1971 but  for his role against the undemocratic activities of the government.

Khandker Mahbub was assisted by his junior Shishir Manir.

News Courtesy: www.newagebd.net