'I was called terrorist's lawyer, a liar'

Abbas Kazmi, who was sacked as the lawyer of Pakistani terrorist Ajmal Kasab by a special court hearing the Mumbai terror attack trial, on Tuesday alleged that he had to face humiliation at the hands of the Prosecution.

"I was called a terrorist's lawyer in the court. I was called Abu Abbas and it was said that Pakistan was going to reward me. Finally, I was called a liar," Kazmi told reporters a day after his removal.

He alleged that on one occasion, when the court was recording the testimony of an official from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Special Prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam said, "Now the terrorist's lawyer will cross-examine you."

Kazmi, however, refused to comment on the court's decision.

"I do not want to create any obstructions for the trial. I do not want to say anything that will obstruct the trial. The matter is sub-judice. I have a great respect for the court," Kazmi said.

When asked whether he was going to take any legal steps against his removal from the trial, he said, "I don't want to pursue this issue further."