War crimes tribunal clears Sangram editor, 3 others of contempt

International Crimes Tribunal (ICT)-1 yesterday cleared the Bangla daily Sangram's editor and three others of contempt of court charges after they apologised unconditionally for two reports containing comments on sub-judice matters.

Meanwhile, a third prosecution witness implicated Mahidur Rahman and Afsar Hossain alias Chutu in synchronised arson attacks in four neighbouring Chapainawabganj villages during the Liberation War.

Tap here to add The Daily Star as a trusted source

CONTEMPT

ICT-1 asked them to be careful, cautious and respectful in making or publishing any statement or comment regarding judicial proceedings, the judiciary or judges.

The editor, Abul Asad; Sangram's Rangpur correspondent Mohammad Nuruzzaman; Ekramul Haque Dulu, former commander of Rangpur's Badarganj thana Muktijoddha Sangsad; and Azizur Rahman Ranga, the district's former Bangladesh Chhatra League leader; were present.

Sangram published the two on December 27, 2013 and January 26 last year while Jamaat leader ATM Azharul Islam was being tried. Azharul was subsequently sentenced to death for war crimes during the 1971 Liberation War.

The court said, "Since the opposite parties (the four) have expressed remorse and thrown themselves at the mercy of this Tribunal...

"...it (the tribunal) intends to take lenient view in giving him an opportunity to rectify himself..."

ICT-2

Daud Hossain, 61, of Shibganj upazila's Binodpur village (Ebadat Biswaser Tola), told International Crimes Tribunal-2 that he had seen Bilat Ali's house in Kabirajtola village go up in flames on October 13, 1971.

Passing the house some time earlier while fleeing his village on hearing that Razakars were approaching, he had seen local Razakar commander Moazzem, Habu Razakar, Mahidur and Chutu along with other accomplices standing by it.

When Daud returned, he saw houses, including his, burnt down. His aunts told him that they had recognised Mahidur, Chutu and some others among the attackers.

He had earlier fled on October 6 after the Pakistani occupation army and their auxiliary force, Razakar Bahini, attacked the four villages, including Chandsikari and Chamatola.

On that day Razakars abducted 39 people and killed 17 to 18 of them, including his uncle, said Daud.

Defence counsel Abdus Sobhan Tarafder cross-examined him. Earlier, Mahsin Ali and Mohammad Khudi of Binodpur had accused the duo of carrying out the arson attack.