Voa News.com is reporting that the…
Mumbai Metropolitan Magistrate Court’s Bar Association, has told reporters that Mohammed Ajmal Amir Qasab one of 10 suspected terrorists is not the same as other criminals, but a man who had attacked "our city and our country."
As a association they cannot represent him because….."This terror attack, it is not only on humanity, but our country also," explained Wagh. "So while considering his right, we have to consider the right of our citizen, because he has taken away the right of those whose fundamental right it was to live."
The report goes on to say that the refusal by prominent Mumbai lawyers to defend Qasab has generated a controversy.
Voa News writes:
Under Indian law, it is a constitutional right of any accused to get legal aid if he has committed a crime on Indian soil.
Some prominent lawyers say he must be given legal help. A New Delhi based lawyer, Indu Jalani, says the refusal by lawyers to defend him is "an emotional decision". She says those who trust the country’s legal system should not hesitate to offer legal help.
"If you have faith in your system you should give rights to everyone. I think he should be given a lawyer to represent his case," said Jalani. "If there is no loophole in your system, he won’t get away."
Full report at http://www.voanews.com/english/2008-12-16-voa7.cfm
