Sayedee witness questioning put off

The war crimes tribunal has adjourned cross-examination of the first prosecution witness in a case against Jamaat-e-Islami leader Delwar Hossain Sayedee, reports bdnews24.com. The cross-examination will resume today (Monday) after submission of certain documents by the Jamaat executive council member's defence. The adjournment came in the face of opposition from the prosecution when defence counsellor Mizanul Islam introduced a document and proceeded to question the witness relating to its contents. A mild argument broke out between prosecutor Saidur Rahman, who had deposed the witness, with defence counsellor Tajul Islam relating to a certain question on seizure list. Saidur said the defence was asking unfounded questions, to which Tajul said, "But that is how we want to proceed with this witness." Upon further insistence from Saidur Rahman that "the defence cannot ask such questions", Tajul retorted, "Are you going to tell us which questions to ask now?" Both camps of the lawyers broke out in laughter at this banter. The tribunal directed that a certain document, which the prosecution had provided, be produced before it. Tajul Islam was quick to object saying, "But my lord, you cannot intervene to check a certain document and then allow us to proceed."