SC to deliver verdict Azharul’s appeal Thursday

SC to deliver verdict Azharul’s appeal Thursday

The Supreme Court will deliver its verdict tomorrow on the appeal filed by Jamaat-e-Islami leader ATM Azharul Islam against the death penalty handed to him by a war crimes tribunal.

A four judge-bench headed by chief justice Syed Mahmud Hossain set the date on Wednesday afternoon, 112 days after it concluded hearing the appeal.

The Appellate Division is going to deliver its 11th verdict in war crime appeals after span of 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 down death sentence to Azhar finding him guilty of aiding, facilitating and participating in atrocious occurred in different areas of Rangpur district during the Liberation War.

At hearing in Azhar’s appeal, attorney general Mahbubey Alam prayed for upholding the tribunal’s verdict.

Lawyer Khandaker Mahbub Hossain prayed for acquitting Azhar and called Azhar’s trial and death sentence as ‘selective prosecution’ as no other living Jamaat leaders and activists participated in the 1970 election propaganda in Rangpur district was not prosecuted for war crimes.

He submitted that Azhar, who was an 18-year intermediate student during the Liberation War, was picked up in 2012 for war crimes not for his role in 1971 rather for his current role against the undemocratic activities of the Government.

Khandker Mahbub was assisted by his junior Shishir Manir.