Delhi University professor S A R Geelani, who was acquitted in the Parliament attack case, has urged for re-trial of Afzal Guru, the prime accused who was convicted in the same case, and is now facing death sentence.
He also sought a thorough investigation of the Parliament attack incident saying that till date people do not know who was actually behind it.
Speaking at a press conference organised by Pragatipara Sanghatanegala Okkoota in Bangalore on Friday, Prof Geelani said, “Afzal was not given a fair trial. It is unjust if a person is punished without being given a fair chance to defend himself.”
He alleged that the POTA Special Court, which tried Afzal and three other accused in the case including himself, was prejudiced towards the accused even before the police filed the charge-sheet. “The trial seemed to be a mockery of Afzal and the legal proceedings.”
“Delhi High Court, which dealt with appeals against trial court’s order, while upholding Afzal’s conviction, acquitted me and another co-accused — Afzal. The court opined that police had fabricated some documents, raising questions regarding the investigation of the case. The Supreme Court in further appeal, upheld death sentence to Afzal based on circumstantial evidence, despite observing that there was no direct evidence incriminating Afzal”, he said.
Affects democracy
“I was also framed in the case though I was innocent. Prosecuting an innocent person without fair trial affects democracy, of which judiciary is the basic pillar,” Geelani said.
He added that he was carrying on a public awareness campaign across India. “It’s a campaign for justice and not to defend any criminal,” he added.
Geelani also commented that even though the courts have not charged Afzal with belonging to any terrorist group, media has branded him a terrorist.