Will defend Sheikh Hasina if opportunity arises: ZI Khan Panna

Supreme Court lawyer ZI Khan Panna has expressed his willingness to defend ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina in the International Crimes Tribunal over genocide charges linked to the mass uprising.

He was speaking at a press briefing yesterday about the suspension of bail for former additional attorney general Mehedi Hasan Chowdhury.

When contacted, Panna told The Daily Star the same.

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Asked if his willingness to defend Hasina contradicts his previous criticisms of her regime's alleged human rights violations, he acknowledged the contradiction but emphasised, "Every accused has the right to legal defence. From this humane consideration, I expressed my willingness to represent her."

He also voiced his opposition to the death penalty, saying it should be repealed for all offences.

Earlier in the day, the Appellate Division had suspended the High Court's bail order for former additional attorney general Mehedi Hasan Chowdhury in a case filed with allegations of murder related to incidents in July and August.

The order was issued by the Appellate Division, led by Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed.

ZI Khan Panna represented the accused, while Attorney General Md Asaduzzaman and Additional Attorney General Aneek R Haque represented the state.