War-crime trial starts as soon as govt ensures logistic supports: Minister
Monday, 7 September 2009
Law Minister Barrister Shafique Ahmed Sunday said there should be no confusion about the trial of suspected war criminals, as it is decided by parliament, reports UNB.
Talking to the media at his secretariat office, he said the commencement of trial takes time because of ensuring logistic supports, including selection of courtroom, appointment of investigation team and prosecution panel, security of the witnesses and sitting arrangement for foreign observers.
"We want to start the trial as soon as the government ensures all logistic supports," the Law Minister said, referring to an ultimatum issued by Ekattarer Ghatak Dalal Nirmul Committee calling for accelerating the process of war-crime trial.
Barrister Shafique reiterated that there is no pressure from outside to refrain from trying the war criminals.
"Rather we get support from them (foreign quarters) in this regard", he added.
The Law Minister made it clear that nobody would be put in the dock for harassing politically and that the accused war criminals would be allowed to appoint their counsel for their defense.
Talking to the media at his secretariat office, he said the commencement of trial takes time because of ensuring logistic supports, including selection of courtroom, appointment of investigation team and prosecution panel, security of the witnesses and sitting arrangement for foreign observers.
"We want to start the trial as soon as the government ensures all logistic supports," the Law Minister said, referring to an ultimatum issued by Ekattarer Ghatak Dalal Nirmul Committee calling for accelerating the process of war-crime trial.
Barrister Shafique reiterated that there is no pressure from outside to refrain from trying the war criminals.
"Rather we get support from them (foreign quarters) in this regard", he added.
The Law Minister made it clear that nobody would be put in the dock for harassing politically and that the accused war criminals would be allowed to appoint their counsel for their defense.