Mumbai Gunman Contests Death Sentence

The surviving gunman from Mumbai’s 2008 terror attacks has appealed the death sentence in India’s Supreme Court. Mohammad Ajmal Amir Qasab filed his appeal through prison authorities.
The 2008 attack saw over 165 people killed along with nine other attackers. Qasab had been found guilty by Indian courts for having waged war against India, multiple murders and conspiracy. He was sentenced to death last May.
The High Court in Mumbai rejected his appeal in February; and it is not clear if the Supreme Court will provide Qasab with legal aid or when they would take up his appeal. The 60 hour siege which began on November 26, targeted luxury hotels, Mumbai’s main railway station and a Jewish Cultural Centre.
The attacks soured relations between India and Pakistan, with India blaming Pakistan-based militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba for the assault. Pakistan acknowledged that the attack had been partially planned in Pakistan and Qasab was a Pakistan citizen.
Relations have slowly improved with both countries agreeing to resume peace talks.