‘Encouraging development’ at murder trial
A SEA-CHANGE in attitude was noticed yesterday at the Kashmir trial of the man accused of murdering Sarah Groves.
It was the 128th hearing in Srinagar.
Sarah’s father Vic said that a strongly-worded formal objection was laid before Judge Tahir Khurshid Raina in his chambers by their legal representative before proceedings yesterday, which followed more delays the day before.
The objection was critical of the Public Prosecutor Mr Mohammad Sultan. A request to replace him was not upheld.
‘Whether it was simply because of the objections raised today or whether pressure had been brought to bear on the judge from other directions, there was a sea-change of attitude in court today,’ said Sarah’s father, Vic.
Before proceedings commenced the judge impressed upon both the prosecution and the defence counsel – Ms Mahira Bhat and Advocate Mushtaq Ahmad Dar as amicus curiae – the requirement to assist in bringing about a speedy conclusion to the trial.
‘The judge then, most significantly, referred to the negative international media coverage of the trial. He again directed his comments to both the prosecution and the defence.
‘This is the first time that any such reference has been made to the negative publicity being gained and implies that some level of pressure was being brought the bear to rectify matters.
‘It is highly unlikely that these comments were prompted solely by the meeting beforehand with our legal representative or from letters we had written previously.
‘This is an encouraging development.’
The judge implied that hearings would now be scheduled on three consecutive days, although only two dates have been set for next time.
He also emphasised the need to enforce any warrants issued against future witnesses.