In the death reference case of Jhalakathi judges killing, the High Court (HC) has confirmed the trial court's verdict condemning seven JMB leaders to death. Of them, six are behind bars while one is still at large.

Meanwhile, two convicts--Abdul Awal and Khaled Saifullah--are preparing to appeal against the death penalty. The latter has already submitted a mercy petition.

The jail authorities told four of the six convicts about the death warrants immediately after receipt of the HC verdict copy. Abdur Rahman and Bangla Bhai are kept at a sub-jail in the city's Mirpur area while Ataur Rahman Sunny and Abdul Awal are at the Dhaka Central Jail.

Inspector General (IG) Prisons Brigadier Gen Zakir Hasan told The Daily Star yesterday that the four militants had said they would not appeal against the verdict. "But according to the law, they will still be given seven days to inform us of their decision in this regard," added the IG prisons.

Of the other two convicts, Iftekhar Mamun is in Kashimpur Jail and Khaled Saifullah in Rangpur Jail, he added. Their death warrants did not reach there as of filing this report yesterday evening.

Meanwhile, Khaled Saifullah, who plans to appeal against the HC verdict, has signed the Vokalotnama and mailed it to his family.

A brother of Saifullah told The Daily Star that they received the Vokalotnama yesterday evening. They are now trying to appoint a lawyer for filing the appeal with the Supreme Court.

He said Saifullah signed the paper on September 14 and posted it on September 17.

His family has also submitted a mercy petition to President Dr Iajuddin Ahmed. The prayer for mercy was mailed to the Bangabhaban on September 18, said family sources.

Meanwhile, families of the militant top brass alleged that different intelligence agencies have been threatening them not to file any appeal.

Awal's family had reportedly applied for a certified copy of the HC verdict but they did not yet get one, said sources. "We might petition for a certified copy, as we will need it to file an appeal," said a family member.

Legal experts say if any of convicts appeal against the HC death sentences, his execution will be withheld till the Supreme Court's decision. But those who will not appeal will be executed by that time.

The militant leaders condemned to death did not appoint any lawyer to represent them in the lower court or the HC. Excepting Mamun, none appealed against the trial court's verdict either. Mamun's appeal however was rejected by the HC.