ICT-2 talks tough as prosecution defies order over cellphone

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT)-2 came down hard on Wednesday on the prosecution for ignoring its order not to carry cell-phones in the courtroom during trial sessions, reports UNB.

The three-member tribunal, headed by Justice Obaidul Hassan, came up with harsh remarks as it found a prosecutor's cellphone ringing when the trial was in progress.

Apparently irked, tribunal Chairman Justice Obaidul Hassan, pointed finger at prosecutor Sultan Malum Simon and reminded him to abide by the tribunal order, as it is obligatory for all irrespective of the lawyers of both the prosecution and the defence.

On December 15, 2011, the special privilege for the prosecution lawyers to carry cellphones in the courtroom had gone as the tribunal prohibited them from doing so during trial sessions.

The embargo came as the tribunal on several occasions during its trial proceedings heard cellphone ring tones carried by the prosecution lawyers affecting the smooth functioning of the judicial process.

Following the order, the tribunal authorities, however, maintain an arrangement for depositing cellphones with security personnel before entering the courtroom with security pass.

The system is equally applicable for lawyers, journalists, visitors and observers.

Meanwhile, Abdus Sobhan Tarafder, the defence counsel for Qaiser, now enjoying bail on humanitarian ground, cross-examined prosecution witness (PW-17) Phul Mian, a liberation war hero.