The family of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia has submitted an application to the government seeking further extension of her conditional release and allowing her to go abroad for receiving advanced treatment. On behalf of the family, Khaleda's younger brother Shamim Iskander recently submitted the application to the Home Ministry, an official at the ministry said on Tuesday. Contacted, Law Minister Anisul Huq told UNB, “As the suspension of Khaleda Zia jail sentences is going to end on September 24, her family has applied for its extension.” In the application, the minister said, the BNP chief’s family claimed that her physical condition has worsened due to post-Covid complications, and they again sought the government permission to send her abroad for treatment. Read: Ailing Khaleda’s family seeks permission to send her abroad Upon their application, Anisul said, the Home Ministry sent a file to the Law Ministry a few days back seeking its legal opinion. “We gave our opinion over the matter, and sent the file back to the Home Ministry this (Tuesday) morning,” he said. The minister said the Home Ministry will now send the file to the Prime Minister’s Office for approval. Asked what opinion he gave, Anisul declined to disclose it. Amid the coronavirus outbreak, the government freed Khaleda Zia from jail for six months through an executive order suspending her sentences on March 25 last year. Read: Khaleda’s family submits application seeking her release The government extended her release for six more months on August 27 last year and it was extended further for another six months on March 15 last. Khaleda Zia tested positive for Covid-19 on April 10, and she was admitted to Evercare Hospital on April 27. She received treatment there until June 19 for post-Covid complications and some other underlying health problems. On May 5, her family applied to the government seeking permission to take her abroad for better treatment, but the government turned it down saying there is no scope for a convicted person to avail of such a scope.

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia is still suffering from post-Covid complications along with comorbidities, her medical board member Dr AZM Zahid Hossain said on Sunday. “Madam is still in CCU where her post-covid complications are being treated,” he told UNB. Zahid said doctors are treating her after conducting  intensive tests for various post-Covid problems. “The medical board is regularly examining her health and reviewing the reports and the improvement in her condition. Also read: Khaleda ‘improving’, not out of ‘danger’ yet: Doctor Asked when she may be shifted to the cabin or released from the hospital, he said, “It depends on the medical board’s decision and her (Khaleda’s) health condition. “As a doctor, I can’t make any prediction about it since she is still suffering from post-Covid complications. It’s a process of long-term treatment.” She has also been suffering from various complications, including diabetes, heart and kidney problems. He urged people to pray for the speedy recovery of the BNP chief. Also read: ‘Vindictive politics’ behind govt’s negative decision on Khaleda: BNP The 76-year-old BNP chief, who tested positive for Covid-19 for the second time on April 24, was admitted to Evercare Hospital on April 27 for a thorough health checkup. She was shifted to the CCU of the hospital with shortness of breath on May 3. On April 28, a 10-member medical board, headed by Prof Shahabuddin Talukder, was formed for the treatment of Khaleda at the Evercare Hospital a day after her admission there. Khaleda Zia tested positive for Covid-19 on April 11 as eight people at her residence were infected with the virus. She underwent the second Covid-19 test on April 24 and her report was positive. Also read: Govt turns down family’s application to send Khaleda abroad She tested negative for Covid-19 on May 8, 27 days after she had been infected with the deadly virus. The BNP chief’s family submitted an application to the government on May 6 seeking permission to send her abroad for advanced treatment, but it was turned down as a convicted person cannot avail of such a scope. Amid the coronavirus outbreak, the government released Khaleda Zia from jail for six months through an executive order suspending her sentences on March 25 last year.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday said the condition of their party Chairperson Khaleda Zia is still critical due to post-Covid complications and her comorbidities. "She (Khaleda) is still in critical condition though she can now breathe without oxygen support,” he said. Speaking at a press conference at BNP chairperson’s Gulshan office, Fakhrul said Khaleda’s pressure, body temperature and saturation level are now in good shape. “But some parameters of her condition are in a dangerous condition. She has kidney problems and that's the real problem. She has heart problems and the doctors are still very worried about it.” He expressed gratitude to the Evercare Hospital authorities as they are providing science services and treatment to Khaleda. But the BNP leader said this hospital has some limitation and it does not have adequate facilities to ensure advanced treatment to Khaleda for her various health complications. “That’s why her family sought permission to take her abroad.” Also read: Khaleda ‘improving’, not out of ‘danger’ yet: Doctor “The condition of our leader was very critical when her family applied to take her abroad. Even the doctors were worried and they also gave a report that the treatment facilities at their hospital are not adequate to tackle a critical patient like her. That's why they thought it would be better if she can go aboard for the treatment,” Fakhrul said. He said the government had also showed a positive attitude initially and created an impression among people that it would give her permission instead of doing politics with a sick person. “But unfortunately, they changed their tone suddenly and turned down the application. But the logic they showed is completely unacceptable. It’s also a lame excuse.” Fakhrul said the government has said there is no instance of sending any convicted person abroad. “It’s a wrong explanation and they did it to mislead people.” He said JSD president ASM Abdur Rob had been in jail in 1979, but then-President Ziaur Rahman freed him as per section 401 of the CrPC, and he was sent to Germany for treatment. Also read: ‘Vindictive politics’ behind govt’s negative decision on Khaleda: BNP The BNP leader also said late Awami League leader Mohammad Nasim was convicted in a case in 2008, but he was sent abroad for treatment. Without mentioning their names, Fakhrul said the death-row convicts and brothers of a highly influential government official were sent abroad exonerating their sentences under section 401. “So, why’re you showing all these lame arguments in the case of Khaleda Zia? You could have said right away that you would not give her permission.” The BNP leader said Prime Minister’s father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had a big heart as he used to show generosity towards his political opponents. “You don't have that big heart like Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. He had given all facilities to many of his political opponents. He released them from jail and helped them. Had you had such generosity, you would have released Khaleda Zia long ago and allowed her to do politics,” he observed. The BNP leader said the government has manifested its inhuman and disgusting attitude by turning down the application of Khaleda’s family seeking permission to take her abroad. “We strongly condemn it.” Also read: Maintain decency while commenting on Khaleda: Fakhrul to ministers  He alleged that the ruling party leaders are making indecent and unacceptable remarks about the ailing BNP chairperson. “I again request them to exercise restraint and shun making such comments on her.  Don’t think you’ll be spared all time for making reckless comments. Everything is being noted and people will come up with a befitting reply in time.” Earlier on Sunday, the government turned down the application of Khaleda Zia’s family seeking permission to send her abroad for advance treatment, saying there is no scope for a convicted person to avail of such a scope. On May 5, Khaleda’s younger brother Shamim Iskander met Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan at his Dhanmondi residence and submitted the application to take Khaleda abroad for treatment. The 76-year-old BNP chief, who tested positive for Covid-19 for the second time on April 24, was admitted to Evercare Hospital on April 27 for a thorough health checkup. She was shifted to the CCU of the hospital with shortness of breath on May 3. On April 28, a 10-member medical board, headed by Prof Shahabuddin Talukder, was formed for the treatment of Khaleda at the Evercare Hospital a day after her admission there. Also read: Govt turns down family’s application to send Khaleda abroad Khaleda Zia tested positive for Covid-19 on April 10 as eight people at her residence were infected with the virus. She underwent the second Covid-19 test on April 24 and her report was positive. On May 8, Khaleda Zia tested negative for Covid-19, 27 days after she had been infected with the deadly virus. Amid the coronavirus outbreak, the government freed Khaleda Zia from jail for six months through an executive order suspending her sentences on March 25 last year.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday night said Khaleda’s condition now looks better with the improvement of her saturation level. “I’ve seen her from a distance for two minutes. It seems to me her condition is now better,” he told reporters after visiting Khaleda at Evercare Hospital. He said Khaleda now can breathe normally without oxygen support. “Some of her parameters are better and she is now breathing without oxygen. She’s now not facing serious difficulties to go on without oxygen.” Also read: Maintain decency while commenting on Khaleda: Fakhrul to ministers Fakhrul, however, said the BNP chairperson is still not out of danger. “There’s still a tube attached to her as fluids were coming out ofvher lungs. He also said Khaleda’s post-Covid complications are still visible in full swing. “But there’s a sign of improvement  in her condition.” The BNP leader said Khaleda has been receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital as she was infected with the coronavirus. “But doctors themselves said this treatment is not sufficient for her as she is now under serious health risk in consideration of her age and comorbidities due to her post-Covid complications.” Also read: Govt turns down family’s application to send Khaleda abroad The 76-year-old BNP chief, who tested positive for Covid-19 for the second time on April 24, was admitted to Evercare Hospital on April 27 for a thorough health checkup. She was shifted to the CCU of the hospital with shortness of breath around 4pm on Monday last. Her breathing problem later eased. On April 28, a 10-member medical board, headed by Prof Shahabuddin Talukder, was formed for the treatment of Khaleda at the Evercare Hospital a day after her admission there. Also read: Khaleda tests negative for Covid Khaleda Zia tested positive for Covid-19 on April 10 as eight people at her residence were infected with the virus. She underwent the second Covid-19 test on April 24 and her report was positive. Meanwhile, Khaleda Zia tested negative for Covid-19 on Saturday, 27 days after she had been infected with the deadly virus. Amid the coronavirus outbreak, the government freed Khaleda Zia from jail for six months through an executive order suspending her sentences on March 25 last year.

The government on Sunday turned down the application of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s family seeking permission to send her abroad for advance treatment as there is no scope for her to avail of such a scope, said Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan. “The Law Ministry has informed us that there’s no legal provision to allow convicted Khaleda Zia to go abroad for treatment. In the light of such an opinion, the application of her family can’t be granted,” he told reporters at his Secretariat office. The minister said they will soon inform the BNP chief’s family about their decision. He said the Law Ministry made it clear that as Khaleda was earlier given a facility by suspending her sentences under section 401, now there is no scope to waive her sentences after reconsidering the same section for the second time. Also read: Khaleda tests negative for Covid Asaduzzaman said they received the application of Khaleda’s family on humanitarian grounds and sent it to the Law Ministry for its legal opinion. “We’re doing everything as per the law. BNP can apply (for sending Khaleda abroad, but we can't do anything beyond the law.” Talking to UNB, Law Minister Anisul Haq said there is no chance of allowing Khaleda Zia to go abroad for medical treatment. “I’ve sent my legal opinion in this regard to the Home Ministry.” “Khaleda Zia's sentences have been suspended as per section 401 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), on condition that she can’t go abroad. So, there’s now no scope to grant her family’s application by relaxing this condition,” he explained. He said when a decision has already been made as per section 401 of the CrPC, the function of this section is over regarding her and there is no scope to reopen it. “So, she (Khaleda) can’t be sent abroad.” Also read: Khaleda applies for passport renewal to go aboard: Lawyer BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir may come up with the party’s official reaction to the government decision after visiting Khaleda at Evercare Hospital at night.  Meanwhile, M Asaduzzam, a pro-BNP lawyer, described the law minister’s explanation as per-incuriam. He said Section 401(1) of the CrPC says, "When any person has been sentenced to punishment for an offence, the Government may at any time without conditions or upon any conditions which the person sentenced accepts, suspend the execution of his/her sentence or remit the whole or any part of the punishment to which he/she has been sentenced." The section 401 (4A) says: “The provision of the above sub-sections shall also apply to any order passed by a Criminal Court under any section of this Code or of any other law, which restricts the liberty of any person or impose any liability upon him or his property.” “As per these sections, the government has the scope to allow Khaleda Zia to go abroad.. it’s the government’s inherent power,” Asad opined. Also read: Allow Khaleda to go abroad for treatment: Fakhrul He said the government can allow any person to go abroad even if any court imposes any travel ban on him/her. On Wednesday last, Khaleda’s younger brother Shamim Iskander met Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan at his Dhanmondi residence and submitted an application seeking permission to send her abroad for advanced treatment. Later, the application was sent to the Law Ministry for its opinion. Law Minister Anisul Haq on Sunday morning sent his ministry’s opinion to the Home Ministry. The 76-year-old BNP chief, who tested positive for Covid-19 for the second time on April 24, was admitted to Evercare Hospital on April 27 for a thorough health checkup. She was shifted to the CCU of the hospital with shortness of breath around 4pm on Monday last. Her breathing problem later eased. Also read: Ailing Khaleda’s family seeks permission to send her abroad On April 28, a 10-member medical board, headed by Prof Shahabuddin Talukder, was formed for the treatment of Khaleda at the Evercare Hospital a day after her admission there. Khaleda Zia tested positive for Covid-19 on April 10 as eight people at her residence were infected with the virus. She underwent the second Covid-19 test on April 24 and her report was positive. Meanwhile, Khaleda Zia tested negative for Covid-19 on Saturday, 27 days after she had been infected with the deadly virus. Amid the coronavirus outbreak, the government freed Khaleda Zia from jail for six months through an executive order suspending her sentences on March 25 last year.

The health condition of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia improved slightly on Saturday, but she still needs the oxygen support as her saturation level still fluctuates due to post-Covid complications, said a member of her personal medical team member. “Madam is still being given the oxygen support, though her overall condition marked a little improvement. Her oxygen level is coming down to 90 percent when there's  no oxygen support,” he said. The physician, wishing anonymity, said though the  amount of fluid in her lungs has decreased, It's still being extracted from her lungs which is now a matter of concern. He said the BNP chief’s blood sugar level is gradually coming under control while pain in her joins has relieved significantly. Also read: Khaleda’s fitness to go abroad to be assessed once permission given: Doctor Replying to a question, the doctor said if the trend of improvement in her condition continues, then Khaleda will be able to fly abroad soon. Meanwhile, a BNP senior leader said they have got a positive signal from the government to send her abroad for advanced treatment. He said all the necessary preparations have been taken to take Khaleda to London or Singapore. The BNP leader claimed the BNP chief might leave the country either on Sunday night or the following day if her condition doesn’t deteriorate again. “She’ll be taken to Singapore instead of London, if her condition worsens." He also said Khaleda’s brother Shamim Iskander and his wife Kaniz Fatema and her domestic help Fatema will accompany the BNP chief during her travel abroad. Also read: Law Ministry’s opinion on taking Khaleda abroad soon: Anisul Earlier on Friday, Khaleda’s personal physician Dr AZM Zahid Hossain said the 10-member medical board formed at Evercare Hospital in the capital for the treatment of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia will decide whether she has the physical fitness to travel abroad once the government gives her permission to leave the country. On Wednesday night, Khaleda’s younger brother Shamim Iskander met Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan at his Dhamanmondi residence and submitted an application seeking permission to send her abroad for advanced treatment. Law Minister Anisul Haq on Thursday said the opinion of his ministry on allowing BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia to go abroad will be sent to the Home Ministry soon. The 76-year-old BNP chief, who tested positive for Covid-19 for the second time on April 24, was admitted to Evercare Hospital on April 27 for a thorough health checkup. Also read: Khaleda shifted to CCU with breathing problem: Doctor She was shifted to the CCU of the hospital with shortness of breath on Monday last.  On April 28, a 10-member medical board, headed by Prof Shahabuddin Talukder, was formed for the treatment of Khaleda at the Evercare Hospital a day after her admission there. Khaleda Zia tested positive for Covid-19 on April 10 as eight people at her residence were infected with the virus. She underwent the second Covid-19 test on April 24 and her report was positive. Amid the coronavirus outbreak, the government freed Khaleda Zia from jail for six months through an executive order suspending her sentences on March 25 last year.

The medical board, formed at Evercare Hospital in the capital for the treatment of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, will decide whether she has the physical fitness to travel abroad once the government permits her to leave the country. Talking to reporters after visiting the BNP chief at the hospital, her medical board member Dr AZM Zahid Hossain also said there is no improvement in Khaleda’s health condition. “Her condition is the same today (Friday) as it was yesterday (Thursday).” As journalists asked whether Khaleda is capable of going abroad with her current physical condition, he said, “This question is still irrelevant as she’s yet to be given permission (to leave the country). If the government allows her to go abroad, then the 10-member medical board will decide it." The physician said Khaleda’s family submitted an application to the government seeking permission to send her abroad while BNP urged the government to consider the application. “It’s now up to the government to decide when and how they’ll allow her to go abroad.” Zahid said Khaleda has been undergoing treatment in the country’s one of the renowned hospitals under the eminent doctors from both home and abroad. Also read: Law Ministry’s opinion on taking Khaleda abroad soon: Anisul He said the medical board visited Khaleda before Juma’a prayers and examined her health condition. “They later decided to continue the treatment with the prescription they gave earlier.” Zahid, also a vice-chairman of BNP, said Khaleda has still been kept at the Coronary Care Unit (CCU) as her condition did not improve. He urged people to pray for the speedy recovery of the BNP chief. On Wednesday night, Khaleda’s younger brother Shamim Iskander met Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan at his Dhanmondi residence and submitted an application seeking permission to send her abroad for advanced treatment. Law Minister Anisul Haq on Thursday said the opinion of his ministry on allowing BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia to go abroad will be sent to the Home Ministry soon. Also read: Allow Khaleda to go abroad for treatment: Fakhrul Meanwhile, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday urged the government to allow their party chief Khaleda Zia to go abroad for advanced treatment on humanitarian ground as she has been suffering from post-Covid complications. Amid talks about taking her abroad for advanced treatment, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia on Thursday applied for the renewal of her Machine Readable Passport (MRP). A party senior leader, wishing anonymity, said the new passport has already been issued and her family received it. The 76-year-old BNP chief, who tested positive for Covid-19 for the second time on April 24, was admitted to Evercare Hospital on April 27 for a thorough health checkup. She was shifted to the CCU of the hospital with shortness of breath around 4pm on Monday last. Her breathing problem later eased. Also read: Ailing Khaleda’s family seeks permission to send her abroad On April 28, a 10-member medical board, headed by Prof Shahabuddin Talukder, was formed for the treatment of Khaleda at the Evercare Hospital a day after her admission there. Khaleda Zia tested positive for Covid-19 on April 10 as eight people at her residence were infected with the virus. She underwent the second Covid-19 test on April 24 and her report was positive. Amid the coronavirus outbreak, the government freed Khaleda Zia from jail for six months through an executive order suspending her sentences on March 25 last year.

Amid talks about taking her abroad for advanced treatment, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia on Thursday applied for the renewal of her Machine Readable Passport (MRP). "Madam’s (Khaleda’s) passport expired long ago. The form for the renewal of her passport was submitted today (Thursday),” her lawyer advocate Mahbubuddin Khokon told UNB. Khokon hoped that the new passport will be issued urgently. However, a party senior leader, wishing anonymity, said the new passport has already been issued and her family received it. Also read: Law Ministry’s opinion on taking Khaleda abroad soon: Anisul He said Khaleda’s passport expired in 2019, but she could not renew it as she was in jail. The BNP leader said the BNP chief’s family and party senior leaders are in touch with the High Commissions and Embassies of different countries, including that of the UK, Singapore, Thailand and the UAE, to have multiple visas as there are restrictions on entry from Bangladesh to different countries due to coronavirus. He said Thailand and the UAE are the available options for her since those countries have no travel restriction, but her family members are eager to send her either to the UK or Singapore. On Wednesday night, Khaleda’s younger brother Shamim Iskander met Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan at his Dhamanmondi residence and submitted an application seeking permission to send her abroad for advanced treatment. Also read: Allow Khaleda to go abroad for treatment: Fakhrul Law Minister Anisul Haq said the opinion of his ministry on allowing BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia to go abroad will be sent to the Home Ministry soon. “Her (Khaleda’s) application was brought to me in the evening. Our opinion will be sent to the Home Ministry soon,” he said while talking to reporters on Thursday. Meanwhile, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday urged the government to allow their party chief Khaleda Zia to go abroad for advanced treatment on humanitarian ground as she has been suffering from post-Covid complications. The 76-year-old BNP chief, who tested positive for Covid-19 for the second time on April 24, was admitted to Evercare Hospital on April 27 for a thorough health checkup. Also read: Ailing Khaleda’s family seeks permission to send her abroad She was shifted to the CCU of the hospital with shortness of breath around 4pm on Monday. Her breathing problem later eased. On April 28, a 10-member medical board, headed by Prof Shahabuddin Talukder, was formed for the treatment of Khaleda at the Evercare Hospital a day after her admission there. Khaleda Zia tested positive for Covid-19 on April 10 as eight people at her residence were infected with the virus. She underwent the second Covid-19 test on April 24 and her report was positive. Amid the coronavirus outbreak, the government freed Khaleda Zia from jail for six months through an executive order suspending her sentences on March 25 last year.

Law Minister Anisul Haq on Thursday said the opinion of his ministry on allowing BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia to go abroad will be sent to the Home Ministry soon. “Her (Khaleda’s) application was brought to me in the evening. Our opinion will be sent to the Home Ministry soon,” he said while talking to reporters from his official residence. Earlier, Khaleda Zia’s jail sentence was suspended as per section 114 of Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) and now it will be examined whether granting her permission to go abroad is possible under the section of the CrPC. On Wednesday night, Khaleda’s younger brother Shamim Iskander met Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan at his Dhanmondi residence and submitted an application seeking permission to send her abroad for advanced treatment. The 76-year-old BNP chief, who tested positive for Covid-19 for the second time on April 24, was admitted to Evercare Hospital on April 27 for a thorough health checkup. Also read: Allow Khaleda to go abroad for treatment: Fakhrul She was shifted to the CCU of the hospital with the shortness of breath around 4pm on Monday. Her breathing problem later eased.

The family of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in the capital, filed an application to Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan on Wednesday night seeking permission to send her abroad for advanced treatment. Khaleda’s younger brother Shamim Iskander met the minister at his Dhanmondi residence around 8:30pm and submitted the application to him, Sharif Mahmud, public relations officer of the Home Ministry, told UNB. Quoting the minister, he said the application will be sent to the Law Ministry for assessing the legal aspects. The 76-year-old BNP chief, who tested positive for Covid-19 for the second time on April 24, was admitted to Evercare Hospital on April 27 for a thorough health checkup. She was shifted to the CCU of the hospital with breath complications around 4pm on Monday. Her breathing problem later eased. Also read: No change in Khaleda’s health condition: Doctor On April 28, a 10-member medical board, headed by Prof Shahabuddin Talukder, was formed for the treatment of Khaleda at the Evercare Hospital a day after her admission there. A personal physician of the BNP chief, wishing anonymity, said Khaleda’s condition did not improve much though she has been kept at the CCU. He said fluids were removed from her lungs while her oxygen saturation level has been fluctuating without oxygen support. The doctor also said the BNP chief’s blood sugar is also not under control. Under the circumstances, he said, the 10-member medical board recommended sending Khaleda aboard for advanced treatment after assessing her all reports of the medical tests on Wednesday evening. Also read: Khaleda shifted to CCU with breathing problem: Doctor Later, her family members decided to send an application to the Home Minister for sending her aboard. Meanwhile, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir went to the Evercare Hospital in the evening and enquired about Khaleda’s health condition from her doctors. Khaleda Zia tested positive for Covid-19 on April 10 as eight people at her residence were infected with the virus. She underwent the second Covid-19 test on April 24 and her report was positive.   Amid the coronavirus outbreak, the government freed Khaleda Zia from jail for six months through an executive order suspending her sentences on March 25 last year.   She was released from the prison cell of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) the same day, and she has been staying at her Gulshan house since then.   Also read: Khaleda Zia infected with Covid-19 On August 27 last year, the government extended her release for six more months and it was extended again for six months on March 15 last.   On February 8, 2018, Khaleda was sent to the Old Dhaka Central Jail after a lower court sentenced her to five years’ imprisonment in Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case. The High Court later doubled her jail term.   Khaleda was found guilty in another corruption case the same year. Her party claims both the cases are politically motivated.