I need a lawyer: Kasab

MUMBAI: Mohammed Ajmal Amir Kasab, the lone terrorist arrested in the November 26 terror attacks, on Monday said that he needed a lawyer and was agreeable to a court-appointed government defence lawyer representing him.

Kasab appeared before special judge M L Tahiliyani via video conferencing from the Arthur Road jail where he is presently lodged in a high security cell.

Dressed in a grey T-shirt, a bearded Kasab, when asked by the court if he wanted a lawyer for the trial, said, "If there will be a trial then I will need a lawyer."

Asked by the judge if he had any preference, he said, "Could you just call the lawyer, who appeared on my behalf on November 27?"

The court informed him that he had no lawyer representing him during his first and only court appearance and asked him if he is agreeable to a government-appointed lawyer. "Theek hai (all right)," Kasab said, speaking in Hindi during the court appearance.

Judge Tahiliyani said he will inform jail authorities of his next court appearance and it will be conveyed to him. After thanking the judge, Kasab was taken back to his cell.