Ziaul Ahsan’s trial to be held virtually on security grounds: Prosecutor Tamim

The trial of former army officer Major General (retd) Ziaul Ahsan, who is facing crimes against humanity charges over allegations of enforced disappearance, murder and torture, will henceforth be conducted virtually on security grounds.

Prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim said International Crimes Tribunal-1 had granted the prosecution’s application to hold the proceedings virtually in view of security concerns.

The prosecution and defence presented their arguments on the matter before International Crimes Tribunal-1 on Tuesday, 13 October. The tribunal, headed by Justice Golam Mortuza Mozumder, granted the prosecution’s application after the hearing.

On 8 October, Ziaul Ahsan’s lawyer had raised concerns about his client’s safety before the tribunal.

The lawyer said there was a risk to Ahsan’s life if he were transported between prison and the tribunal in a single prison van. He questioned the arrangements for his client’s transportation and outlined the defence’s concerns.

In response, the prosecution argued that transporting Ahsan in the same prison van as other accused could also put their safety at risk. To address these concerns, it asked the tribunal to allow the proceedings to be conducted virtually while Ahsan remained in prison, rather than requiring him to appear in person.

Meanwhile, the prosecution’s witness testimony in the crimes against humanity case against Ahsan is nearing completion. According to the prosecution, this is the first case among those relating to enforced disappearances before the International Crimes Tribunal to reach this stage.

A total of 15 witnesses have testified in the case so far.

The prosecution maintains that it has been able to establish the allegations against Ahsan beyond doubt.