Sayedee’s trial halts as prosecution witness disappears

The International Crimes Tribunal on Thursday came down heavily on the prosecution for noncompliance with its order to produce designated witness for giving evidence against war crimes accused Jamaat-e-Islami leader Delwar Hossain Sayedee.

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At the beginning of the day’s proceedings, prosecutor Rana Dasgupta moved a time petition saying their designated three witnesses had left on the plea of visiting their relations in the capital, but did not turn up till this (Thursday) morning.

“Despite a frantic search we’re still unaware about their whereabouts…we’re very sorry for such an embarrassing situation. We pray for adjournment of the trial proceedings,” said the prosecution counsel.

Interrupting the prosecution counsel, the tribunal said: “Since the prosecution witnesses (PWs) are kept under the custody of the ICT investigation agency, it is their responsibility to produce the PWs before the tribunal as and when required by the prosecution counsel.”

The investigation agency had obtained an order in this regard, reminded the tribunal.

Expressing dissatisfaction over the absence of the chief prosecutor and the investigation officer in the case, the tribunal said, “Although the prosecution explanation is not satisfactory, we reluctantly allow the time petition and set February 7 for further deposition by prosecution witness.”

Earlier, police produced detained Sayedee before the tribunal amid tight security.