Palak says ‘This is war’ as prosecution accuses defence of delaying July Uprising case

Former state minister for information and communication technology Zunaid Ahmed Palak today told the International Crimes Tribunal-1, “This is war, honourable tribunal,” after a prosecutor alleged that the defence was seeking to delay proceedings in a crimes against humanity case over the July Uprising.

Sajeeb Wazed Joy, son of ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina and her former ICT adviser, is also an accused in the case. He is absconding.

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Palak made the remark from the dock while the prosecution was arguing against deferring the case.

The development came after a prosecution witness concluded his testimony and Palak’s defence counsel was set to begin cross-examining him.

The defence sought sufficient time to complete the cross-examination, telling the tribunal that some pages of documents supplied by the prosecution were unclear or ambiguous. The lawyers requested clear copies of the documents and more time to examine the witness.

Prosecutor Gazi Monawar Hossain Tamim opposed the request, arguing that the documents cited by the defence were not relevant to the day’s cross-examination.

The tribunal, however, observed that the charges against Palak carry the possibility of capital punishment and that the defence should be given adequate time.

The tribunal adjourned the proceedings for the day.