A state-appointed defence lawyer today urged the International Crimes Tribunal-2 not to conduct the trial of Mahbubul Alam Hanif and three others "only because they belong to the Awami League."
Md Amir Hossain made the appeal while defending AL Joint General Secretary Mahbubul Alam Hanif and three Kushtia-based party leaders in a crimes against humanity case linked to the killing of six people in Kushtia and their alleged command responsibility during last year's July uprising.
Amir previously served as state defence counsel for Sheikh Hasina and former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal at tribunal-1.
The prosecution delivered its opening statement before the two-member bench of tribunal-2.
Prosecutor Mizanul Islam outlined evidence related to alleged attacks on students and residents during the uprising, saying there was "undeniable proof" implicating Hanif and the others.
The co-accused are Kushtia district AL president and former zila parishad chairman Sadruddin Khan, district general secretary Azgar Ali, and Kushtia city general secretary Ataur Rahman Ata. All four are currently absconding.
Responding to the defence's concerns, the bench said the tribunal was committed to ensuring due process.
The case, includes 38 witnesses, among them family members of victims, eyewitnesses, injured survivors, movement participants and investigators.
The tribunal has rescheduled the first witness deposition to December 8 following a prosecution request.