Advocate ZI Khan Panna, the state-appointed lawyer representing Sheikh Hasina at the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), has withdrawn from Sheikh Hasina’s case at the International Crimes Tribunal, stating that she herself has no confidence in the tribunal.
He announced the decision on Thursday via his verified Facebook account.
Earlier, on 23 November, Panna was appointed by the ICT as a state-funded lawyer to represent Hasina in a case concerning enforced disappearances and killings, following his expressed interest.
Speaking in a Facebook Live session, Panna said, “I have realised that Sheikh Hasina herself has no confidence in this tribunal. If the daughter of Bangabandhu lacks faith in this court, I cannot, in good conscience, defend her here. It would be inappropriate and unethical.”
“Once formally appointed, I will make a public announcement. If not, my decision stands that I will not represent her at the tribunal,” he added.
However, Panna also mentioned that contempt of court charges have been filed against Supreme Court lawyer Fazlur Rahman, adding that he will be representing Rahman in the tribunal.”
He further noted that several international organisations, including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, have expressed their opinions on the tribunal proceedings.
“If I cannot defend my client freely and without obstruction, serving as a lawyer there becomes meaningless,” Panna stated.
