Mumbai confession 'was coerced'

BBC News 17.04.2009 16:20
There is intense security at the trial at the Arthur Road jail

There is intense security at the trial at the Arthur Road jail


The leading suspect in the Mumbai (Bombay) attacks trial has retracted his confession. The lawyer for the sole surviving suspected gunman, Mohammed Ajmal Amir Qasab, said it was extracted through coercion and force.



The prosecution had read out parts of his confession as the trial began and accused him of killing 166 people.

Prosecutor Ujwal Nikam said this was a conspiracy hatched in Pakistan to wage war on India.

Friday's opening of the trial followed a number of procedural delays.

The latest was on Wednesday when Mr Qasab's lawyer was sacked for allegedly also signing up to defend a victim.

More than 170 people, including nine gunmen, were killed in the attacks last November.

Mr Qasab, 21, is charged with murder and waging war on India. He faces the death penalty if convicted.


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