No privacy during discussions with Kasab: Lawyer

Defending key accused in the Mumbai attacks case Ajmal Kasab has been a difficult assignment for his lawyer, who complains about lack of privacy during discussions with his client.

Defending key accused in the Mumbai attacks case Ajmal Kasab has been a difficult assignment for his lawyer, who complains about lack of privacy during discussions with his client.

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"The judge has permitted interviews for short duration of 10-15 minutes but it has to be conducted in the court itself and that too within the earshot of policemen and the court staff," his counsel Abbas Kazmi told PTI in an interview.

Asked about how Kasab came across during his discussions with him, Kazmi said, "We talk only about the case and its legal aspects. He has never opened up or conveyed his feelings."

About the mood swings of the lone Pakistani gunman who was captured during the 26/11 Mumbai terror strikes, Kazmi said those were expressions of frustration and boredom. "I gave him some story books in Urdu. He finished reading them but never sought more," he said.

Kazmi claimed there was no evidence to show that Kasab was a habitual criminal. "He is like any other accused who is presumed to be innocent unless proved guilty," Kazmi said.

Asked about his strategy for defending Kasab, he said, "I will not open up my cards now. You will know when arguments begin."