Dhaka: Chief coordinator of the International Crimes Tribunal’s investigation agency Abdul Hannan Khan on Thursday criticised the move for the mock trial of 195 Pakistani prisoners of war for their involvement in crimes against humanity during the 1971 Liberation War.

Addressing a press briefing at the agency’s Dhanmondi office, Hannan said there should not be any other courts where there is a legal court to try them.

At a recent press conference, Shipping Minister Shajahan Khan announced to symbolically try the 195 Pakistani prisoners of war in the International Crimes Mass Trial Court at Suhrawardy Udyan in the city on 26 March next.

Asked about the mock trial of Jamaat leader Ghulam Azam in people’s court formed by Ekattorer Ghatak-Dalal Nirmul Committee led by Jahanara Imam on 26 March 1992, Hannan said the perspective was different then as there was no court or tribunal to try the war criminals.

He also said the investigation agency has already started collecting information about the 195 Pakistani soldiers.