Nusrat’s Video: Verdict in case against ex-OC Moazzem today

Judgement in the case filed against Moazzem Hossain, former officer-in-charge of Sonagazi Police Station, in a case filed over recording and circulating a video clip of madrasa student Nusrat Jahan Rafi will be delivered today.

Judge Ash Sams Joglul Hossain of the Cyber Tribunal of Dhaka is scheduled to read out the judgement in presence of the lone accused Moazzem at 2pm, said court sources.

On November 20, the tribunal had set today for delivering the verdict on completion of placing arguments from the prosecution and defense.

During the closing arguments, the prosecution sought highest punishment mentioned in the Digital Security Act for the accused, saying that it was able to prove the charges at the tribunal.

Defense sought his client’s acquittal, claiming that the charges brought against OC Moazzem were false and fabricated.

Earlier the tribunal recorded statements of 12 prosecution witnesses, including complainant, Nusrat’s mother, sister and two friends.

Nusrat, a student of Sonagazi Islamia Senior Fazil Madrasa, was set on fire on April 6 -- allegedly for refusing to withdraw a case filed against the madrasa principal for sexually harassing her.

After fighting for her life for five days, she died at Dhaka Medical College Hospital on April 10.

The same day, Moazzem was withdrawn from his post of Sonagazi Police Station OC, as Nusrat’s family alleged that he was not cooperating with them.

A video clip of the then Sonagazi OC asking Nusrat humiliating questions also went viral on social media, drawing widespread criticism.

On April 15, Barrister Syed Sayedul Haque Sumon filed the case against Moazzem under the Digital Security Act, for circulating the video.

On July 17, the tribunal framed charges against Moazzem in the case.