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Mumbai terror suspect remand extended, demands Pakistani Lawyer

by Sanjay Jha | December 24, 2008 at 03:25 am

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Arrested terrorist for Mumbai terror attack Ajmal Amir Kasab on Wednesday demanded that he be provided a Pakistani lawyer to represent him in the Mumbai attacks case, sources said.

Kasab made the demand even as his police custody got extended till January 6 next year by a magistrate here. According to sources, the terrorist said during the hearing at the Mumbai Police Crime Branch that he wants to meet Pakistan High Commission officials and would not accept an Indian as his lawyer.

A magistrate extended his custody until 6 January, police said.

The suspect faces a number of charges including murder, attempted murder, waging war against a country and criminal conspiracy.

The multiple attacks on the city on 26 November left at least 173 people dead, including nine of the 10 gunmen.

Mohammed Ajmal Amir Qasab, who has previously been identified also as Mohammed Ajmal Qasab and Azam Amir Qasab among others, had been due to appear in court, but because of security concerns magistrates and court officials visited him at the Mumbai police crime branch office.

India says Pakistani militants carried out the attacks. Pakistan denies any involvement.

On Monday, India handed a letter to Pakistan it says was written by Mr Qasab, confirming he is Pakistani and asking for Islamabad's help.

The attacks have severely strained relations between the two countries.