Mumbai terror blasts accused Lakhvi seeks exemption from appearing in court during trial

Mumbai terror blasts accused Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi has urged the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) to exempt him from appearing in the court during trial, citing security reasons.

Lakhvi's counsel, Advocate Raja Rizwan Abbasi, told the court that his client had been facing threats and might be assassinated while coming or leaving the court. He also pointed out that Lakhvi had been kept in tight security inside the jail as law enforcement authorities knew he could be targeted. The court is due to resume trial in the case on Wednesday, reported the Dawn.

The news came after ATC Judge Sohail Ikram sent notices to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) on Monday seeking reply on Lakhvi's application by May 6.

Ever since the trial in Mumbai 26/11 attack case began in February 2009, Lakhvi and six other suspects in the case had been attending the hearing inside Adiala jail. However, after being released from jail last month, Lakhvi will have to appear before the court on his own.