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Mumbai prosecution concludes case Mumbai prosecution concludes case
(about 1 hour later)
The prosecution has concluded its case in the trial of the man alleged to be the sole surviving gunman in last year's Mumbai (Bombay) attacks.The prosecution has concluded its case in the trial of the man alleged to be the sole surviving gunman in last year's Mumbai (Bombay) attacks.
Mohammad Ajmal Amir Qasab, a Pakistani national, faces 86 charges, including waging war on India, murder and possessing explosives.Mohammad Ajmal Amir Qasab, a Pakistani national, faces 86 charges, including waging war on India, murder and possessing explosives.
In all 610 witnesses have testified since the case began in March.In all 610 witnesses have testified since the case began in March.
The November 2008 attacks left 174 people dead, including nine gunmen, and soured ties between India and Pakistan.The November 2008 attacks left 174 people dead, including nine gunmen, and soured ties between India and Pakistan.
The BBC's Prachi Pinglay in the special court in Mumbai says that a verdict in the case is expected early next year.The BBC's Prachi Pinglay in the special court in Mumbai says that a verdict in the case is expected early next year.
Our correspondent says that it is not yet clear whether the defence will call any witnesses. Our correspondent says that it is not yet clear whether the defence will now call any witnesses.
In November the judge in the case removed the main lawyer representing Mr Qasab, saying he was trying to delay proceedings. 'Not mentally fit'
Advocate KP Pawar is now defending the accused man, who was arrested on the first day of the attacks and has been in Indian custody ever since. Closing his arguments, special public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam said a judgement was not far off.
He originally denied the charges against him but in July, in a dramatic outburst in court, admitted his role and asked to be hanged. His plea was not accepted and the trial continued. "We have completed the trial in a record time of seven months. The judgement may be delivered in a month or two," he told the court.
The prosecution has also wound up its arguments in the cases of two Indians accused of being Mr Qasab's accomplices. class="" href="/2/hi/south_asia/8385759.stm">Mumbai suspect's lawyer is sacked
In November the main lawyer representing Mr Qasab was removed from the case. The judge said he was wasting time.
Advocate KP Pawar is now defending the accused man, who was arrested on the first day of the attacks.
Mr Qasab originally denied the charges against him but in July, in a dramatic outburst in court, he admitted his role and asked to be hanged. His plea was not accepted and the trial continued.
He is to be given another chance to address the court on Friday.
Mr Pawar said his client, who has been unwell recently, was not physically and mentally fit to record a statement.
But, asked by the judge if he felt well enough, Mr Qasab nodded that he did.
The prosecution has also wound up its arguments in the cases of two Indians accused of being accomplices of the 10 gunmen.
The attacks soured relations between India and Pakistan and Delhi suspended peace talks with Islamabad.The attacks soured relations between India and Pakistan and Delhi suspended peace talks with Islamabad.
After initial denials, Pakistan acknowledged that Mr Qasab was one of its citizens and that the attacks had been partially planned on its territory.After initial denials, Pakistan acknowledged that Mr Qasab was one of its citizens and that the attacks had been partially planned on its territory.
Last month a court in Pakistan charged seven people in connection with the attacks, including the suspected mastermind Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi, who is alleged to head the banned militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba.Last month a court in Pakistan charged seven people in connection with the attacks, including the suspected mastermind Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi, who is alleged to head the banned militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba.