Apparently irked, Chairman of the International Crimes Tribunal-1 Justice ATM Fazle Kabir on Thursday came up with an observation about the state of mind of war crimes accused BNP MP Salauddin Quader Chowdhury as he usually utters the words ‘hang me’ during the trial proceedings.” In 38 years of my judicial profession — 31 years in sessions courts — no accused in the dock did utter such words ‘hang me’ during trial proceedings,” said the ICT Chairman.
He further said, “Even in the ICTs, we also didn’t hear such words from any of the accused facing war crimes charges.”
Pointing finger at Salauddin Quader facing cross-examination by the designated prosecution counsel as defence witness, Justice Kabir said, ”You’re repeatedly uttering the words ‘hang me’, ‘hang me’.
Referring to a psychological interpretative article on a criminal’s mens rea, which he read 10-12 years ago, said when a criminal perceives he has done the offence and he should get punishment for his criminal act. At one point, he rues for seeing punishment with uttering such words.
“We don’t know whether it’s the outcome of your repentance seeking capital punishment,” observed Justice Kabir.
The ICT chairman further said, “We also don’t know what you did in 1971. We don’t have any power to fulfill your desire as the allegations made against you need judicial examination.”
In reply to the tribunal, detained Salauddin Quader said, “I hope, I’ll get evenhanded justice. Sometimes, I suffer from frustration over the trial and that’s why I utter ‘hang me’ ‘hang me’.
Meanwhile the cross-examination of war crimes accused BNP stalwart as defence witness by the designated prosecutor concluded before the tribunal.
The tribunal adjourned the proceedings till July 8 for deposition of the other four fixed defence witnesses. (Source: UNB)
