I was humiliated in court: Kazmi

MUMBAI: A day after being sacked, advocate Abbas Kazmi, who was defending Pakistani gunman Ajmal Amir Kasab in the 26/11 trial, told the media that he had to face "humiliation'' at the hands of the prosecution during the seven months he represented the gunman in court.
"I was called a terrorist's lawyer in the court. I was called Abu Abbas and it was said that Pakistan was going to reward me.Finally, I was called a liar,'' said Kazmi. "I was compared to Abu Jindal and Abu Kafa,'' he said. Jindal and Kafa are wanted accused in the 26/11 terror attacks and are alleged to be holed up in Pakistan.
"I am hurt. I had to face a lot of hostilities and this is what I get in return,'' said Kazmi. "I am not a liar. I was ready to extend full co-operation to the court. Despite being a lawyer, I had to open my shoes and get them checked. My watch, my pen had to be surrendered to the police. Security guards shouted at me and misbehaved with me,'' alleged Kazmi. "What is more disturbing is that (American) FBI officials were allowed inside the court without checking, just because they belong to the FBI,'' he added. He alleged that on one occasion when the court was recording the testimony of an FBI official, the prosecutor said, "Now the terrorist's lawyer will cross-examine you.''
Kazmi refused to comment on the court's decision to dismiss him. "I do not want to create any obstructions in the trial. The matter is sub judice. I have a great respect for the court,'' he said. When asked whether he was going to take any legal step against his removal from the trial, he said, "I don't want to pursue this issue further.''
Kazmi was appointed by the court in April after three lawyers made unsuccessful attempts to represent Kasab and the first appointed lawyer was removed due to a conflict of interest.