Ziaul Ahsan seeks exemption from handcuffs, helmet during tribunal transfers

Former army officer Major General (retd) Ziaul Ahsan today (2 September) sought exemption from being handcuffed and made to wear a helmet and protective vest while being taken between jail and the International Crimes Tribunal.

He made the request while standing in the dock after a prosecution witness testified before Tribunal-1, headed by Justice Md Mohitul Haque Enam.

Ziaul told the tribunal that he had suffered waist and neck injuries during military training and that wearing handcuffs, a helmet and a protective vest during transfers was causing him physical discomfort.

"I feel like I am everyone's target. I want justice from the tribunal," he told the court.

The tribunal sought the prosecution's opinion on his request. Prosecutor Mizanul Islam said the security arrangements fall under the jurisdiction of jail authorities and are made for security reasons.

Ziaul argued that the distance between the prison van and the tribunal's detention room was only about five yards and that around 20 police officers were present when he was taken from the vehicle.

The tribunal, however, observed that security risks could not be ruled out even over a short distance.

The judge later advised Ziaul to submit a formal application seeking exemption from handcuffs and the protective vest.

Witness testifies against Ziaul

Meanwhile, Abbas Mallik, the 10th prosecution witness in the case against Ziaul over crimes against humanity involving more than 100 enforced disappearances and killings during the Awami League rule, testified before the tribunal.

In his testimony, Abbas blamed Ziaul for the killing of his brother, Alkas Mallik, and sought the maximum punishment for the accused.

Ziaul's lawyers, Syed Mizanur Rahman and Shahidur Rahman, cross-examined Abbas following his testimony.

The tribunal fixed 8 September for the next hearing.