ICT order on contempt of court against Zafrullah Aug 30

The International Crimes Tribunal-2 yesterday fixed August 30 to pass an order in contempt of court proceedings it initiated against Gonoshasthaya Kendra founder Zafrullah Chowdhury.

The tribunal set the date hearing arguments from both the petitioners and defence counsels. Zafarullah, also a freedom fighter, was present at the court yesterday.

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On Sunday, Zafrullah offered unconditional

apology to the tribunal for his comment on June 10 that drew contempt of court proceedings against him. Zafrullah, if found guilty, may face up to one year imprisonment or Tk 5,000 fine or both. The tribunal on July 12 initiated contempt of court proceedings against Zafrullah for his comments on June 10 over the punishment of Dhaka-based British journalist David Bergman.

"Today's contempt of court verdict is a proof of mental illness of the three judges ... Ensuring justice is not possible if the judges can't take criticism. When they can't stand criticism and lack rationality, they hide themselves under the cover of law," he had told reporters on June 10.

During hearing yesterday, Zafrullah's lawyer Abdul Baset Majumder said his client "completely surrendered himself" before the tribunal.