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Mumbai suspect 'is from Pakistan' Trial starts for Mumbai suspect
(about 2 hours later)
The sole known surviving suspect from last year's deadly Mumbai attacks has told an Indian court that he is from Pakistan's Punjab province. The sole known surviving suspect from last year's Mumbai attacks has appeared on a video link from his high security jail at the start of his trial.
Mohammed Ajmal Amir Qasab appeared before a judge by video link at the start of his trial. He was not in court for security reasons. Charges against Mohammed Ajmal Amir Qasab include murder and "waging war" against India.
He has been charged with "waging war" against India. As the trial began he confirmed that he was from Pakistan's Punjab province and asked the judge for a lawyer.
More than 170 people died in November's attacks on India's financial capital. Nine gunmen were killed.More than 170 people died in November's attacks on India's financial capital. Nine gunmen were killed.
India accused Pakistan-based militants from the banned group Lashkar-e-Taiba of carrying out the attacks. Pakistan has admitted they were partly planned on its soil.India accused Pakistan-based militants from the banned group Lashkar-e-Taiba of carrying out the attacks. Pakistan has admitted they were partly planned on its soil.
Two alleged Indian Lashkar-e-Taiba operatives also face trial in the case and appeared before the court by video link.
Short repliesShort replies
The accused was arrested on the day of the attacks and has been in Indian custody ever since. Mohammed Ajmal Amir Qasab was arrested on the day of the attacks and has been in Indian custody ever since.
Dressed in a dark t-shirt and sporting a beard, Mohammed Ajmal Amir Qasab appeared relaxed in his video appearance. Dressed in a dark t-shirt and sporting a beard, he appeared relaxed in his video appearance. OTHER MAIN QASAB CHARGES Firing at CST train stationFiring inside and outside Cama HospitalHijacking of Skoda vehicleMurder of MV Kuber boatmanFiring at Girgaum Chowpatty beach
OTHER MAIN QASAB CHARGES Firing at CST stationFiring inside and outside Cama HospitalHijacking of Skoda vehicleMurder of MV Kuber boatmanFiring at Girgaum Chowpatty beach He gave short replies to questions asked by judge ML Tahilyani.
He gave short replies to questions asked by judge ML Tahilyani, saying he did not have a lawyer.
"You will need a lawyer. Do you have one? We can provide you a lawyer on government expense, do you accept?" the judge asked him."You will need a lawyer. Do you have one? We can provide you a lawyer on government expense, do you accept?" the judge asked him.
"Yes sir," the defendant replied."Yes sir," the defendant replied.
The next day of the trial will be on 30 March, when legal representation will be discussed.
The charge sheet relating to November's attacks runs to more than 11,000 pages.The charge sheet relating to November's attacks runs to more than 11,000 pages.
Mr Qasab has been charged under various acts, including murder, attempt to murder and damaging public property. The defendant has been charged under various acts, including murder, attempted murder and damaging public property.
His trial is to be held in the maximum-security Arthur Road jail. He could face the death penalty if found guilty. He was not in court for security reasons.
His trial is to be held in Mumbai's maximum-security Arthur Road jail, though it has not started there because the security infrastructure is not yet ready.
He could face the death penalty if found guilty.
Poor relationsPoor relations
Officials say the charge sheet against Mr Qasab and other accused contains details of evidence pertaining to how the conspiracy was hatched, how the gunmen entered Mumbai and the training in Pakistan.Officials say the charge sheet against Mr Qasab and other accused contains details of evidence pertaining to how the conspiracy was hatched, how the gunmen entered Mumbai and the training in Pakistan.
Mumbai police say they are confident of their case because of the weight of evidence.Mumbai police say they are confident of their case because of the weight of evidence.
Relations between India and Pakistan have worsened considerably since the November attacks.Relations between India and Pakistan have worsened considerably since the November attacks.
As well as accusing Lashkar-e-Taiba of being behind them, India suggested that "state actors" in Pakistan were also involved.As well as accusing Lashkar-e-Taiba of being behind them, India suggested that "state actors" in Pakistan were also involved.
Delhi has submitted a list of suspects to Pakistan and demanded they be handed over. Both Pakistan and Lashkar have denied involvement.Delhi has submitted a list of suspects to Pakistan and demanded they be handed over. Both Pakistan and Lashkar have denied involvement.
However, Pakistan's investigation last month found that at least nine suspected attackers had sailed from Karachi to Mumbai in three boats in November.However, Pakistan's investigation last month found that at least nine suspected attackers had sailed from Karachi to Mumbai in three boats in November.
Pakistan says it has indicted eight people, six of whom have already been arrested, and that any trials will take place on its soil.Pakistan says it has indicted eight people, six of whom have already been arrested, and that any trials will take place on its soil.