‘Does asking forgiveness erase crimes?’: Defence challenges ex-IGP Mamun
Addressing former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun, who earlier admitting responsibility for crimes against humanity committed during the July uprising, state-appointed Defence Counsel Md. Amir Hossain said, "Does asking for forgiveness absolve all crimes?"
Amir resumed cross-examining Mamun in the tribunal.
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At one point, he asked whether Mamun was among the police officers who received medals for following orders to "stuff ballot boxes" on the night before the 2018 national election. In response, Mamun admitted that he, too, received a medal at that time.
The defence counsel then said, "By carrying out illegal orders, you also committed a crime."
At that moment, Prosecutor Mizanul Islam said, "He has admitted his crime and asked for forgiveness."
In reply, Amir commented, "Does asking for forgiveness absolve all crimes?"
Mizanul then said that the tribunal would consider that. Shortly afterward, the tribunal announced a one-hour recess.
After the break, while speaking to journalists, the state defence counsel said, "Former IGP Mamun admitted his crime in his statement and asked for forgiveness. But murder cannot be forgiven. Even if he admits the crime, he should still be tried. Through cross-examination, I want to prove that he is not innocent."
Testifying as a prosecution witness today, Mamun revealed during cross-examination that he was given two contractual extensions following the end of his service tenure. While he accepted the first extension, he was unwilling to continue the second time.
"Despite my objections, I was reappointed IGP to keep the internal feud within the police, especially involving officers from Gopalganj, out of public view," he said.
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