The Supreme Court had spoken, but the weight of Zayd's crimes demanded that his case be transferred to the Military Court, where he would face a tribunal of his own peers. This was no ordinary criminal—it was a man who had once commanded the respect of the nation's armed forces and now stood disgraced. The trial would be swift, but the outcome uncertain. The nation watched closely, wondering if true justice would prevail.
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Scene 1: The Transfer to Military Court
Inside the Supreme Court chamber, Chief Justice Farheen Sadiq delivered her final decision. Zayd sat motionless, his expression unreadable. The court was filled with tension, and everyone in attendance knew the gravity of the moment.
Chief Justice Farheen Sadiq (resolutely):
"In light of the charges and overwhelming evidence presented, this court hereby transfers the case of Zayd Rahman to the Military Court for a final trial. The military tribunal will decide the full extent of his punishment."
The words echoed in the room like a final judgment. Zayd, once untouchable, would now be judged by the same institution he had betrayed.
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Scene 2: Zayd's Reaction
As Zayd was escorted out of the courtroom, he briefly locked eyes with some of his former allies who had distanced themselves from him. His voice, though calm, dripped with bitterness.
Zayd (muttering):
"They think they've won. But this is far from over."
One of his old comrades, Tariq Hassan, who had also been implicated, looked away, ashamed of the role he played in Zayd's fall.
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Scene 3: Military Court Begins
The Military Court was an entirely different arena—more rigid, more controlled. The tribunal consisted of high-ranking officers, all of whom had served alongside Zayd at one point or another. The courtroom was sparsely decorated, reflecting the seriousness of the proceedings.
Tribunal Judge (sternly):
"Zayd Rahman, you are charged with high treason, conspiracy, corruption, and the unlawful murder of civilians and a journalist. How do you plead?"
Zayd, standing tall, looked directly at the judges, showing no signs of fear.
Zayd (calmly):
"Not guilty."
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Scene 4: Prosecution's Opening Statement
The military prosecutor, Colonel Usman, began to outline the case against Zayd, presenting evidence from both the Supreme Court trial and new details gathered by the military.
Colonel Usman (addressing the tribunal):
"Zayd Rahman betrayed the very institution he swore to protect. His conspiracy, along with opposition leaders, not only destabilized the government but endangered the security of the nation. His actions are unforgivable, and justice demands the harshest penalty."
The tribunal judges listened carefully, knowing the weight of their decision.
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Scene 5: The Defense's Plea
Zayd's defense lawyer, Major Khalid, attempted to portray him as a patriot who acted out of desperation for the country.
Major Khalid (arguing passionately):
"Zayd Rahman acted in the best interest of this nation. Yes, mistakes were made, but his intention was never to destroy the country—it was to save it from a weak and ineffective government. He deserves leniency, not condemnation."
But the tribunal judges remained stoic, unconvinced.
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Scene 6: Witness Testimony
Several witnesses were called, including military officers who had once been loyal to Zayd but turned against him when they realized the depth of his betrayal.
Captain Hassan (testifying):
"I served under Zayd for years. At first, I believed in his cause, but when I saw innocent civilians being killed in secret operations, I knew something was wrong. He became more reckless, more dangerous."
The tribunal took note, adding this testimony to the growing pile of evidence.
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Scene 7: Aisha's Murder Revisited
One of the most damning pieces of evidence was the direct involvement of Zayd in the assassination of Aisha, the journalist. The prosecutor revisited the murder, showing the tribunal that Zayd had ordered it to prevent her from exposing his conspiracy.
Colonel Usman (gravely):
"This wasn't just a case of political ambition. This was murder. A journalist who fought for the truth was silenced because she got too close to exposing the real Zayd Rahman."
Zayd's face remained impassive, but the tension in the room was palpable.
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Scene 8: Zayd Takes the Stand
Zayd was given the opportunity to speak in his defense. He stood, addressing the tribunal with cold, calculated precision.
Zayd (defiantly):
"Everything I did was to secure the future of this nation. I was willing to get my hands dirty because no one else had the courage to do what was necessary. If that makes me a villain in your eyes, then so be it."
His words hung in the air, but they failed to sway the tribunal.
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Scene 9: The Closing Arguments
The prosecution and defense made their final arguments. Colonel Usman was direct, leaving no room for doubt.
Colonel Usman (with finality):
"Zayd Rahman's betrayal runs deep. He acted out of greed and power, not patriotism. The evidence is overwhelming. There is only one sentence fitting for a man like him."
The defense, however, pleaded for mercy, asking the tribunal to consider Zayd's years of service to the country.
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Scene 10: The Tribunal Deliberates
The judges retired to deliberate. The tension in the courtroom was thick. Everyone knew that this was more than just a case of treason—it was a moment that would define the nation's future.
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Scene 11: The Verdict is Read
After what felt like an eternity, the tribunal judges returned. The head judge stood, his face a mask of resolve.
Tribunal Judge (authoritatively):
"Zayd Rahman, this tribunal finds you guilty of all charges, including treason, corruption, conspiracy, and murder. You are hereby sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole."
A collective sigh of relief swept through the courtroom. Justice had been served.
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Scene 12: Zayd's Reaction
For the first time, Zayd's composure broke. He stood in disbelief as the guards moved to escort him away.
Zayd (shouting):
"You can lock me away, but you can't kill the idea! There will always be men like me who are willing to do what it takes!"
His words echoed through the halls as he was led out in handcuffs, the once-feared general now reduced to a prisoner.
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Scene 13: The Public's Response
Outside the military court, a massive crowd had gathered, waiting for the verdict. When news of Zayd's life sentence broke, there were mixed reactions—some celebrated, while others remained uncertain about the nation's future.
Protester 1 (cheering):
"Justice for Aisha! Justice for the people!"
Protester 2 (quietly):
"It's not over yet. We have a long way to go."
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Scene 14: The Supreme Court Declares New Elections
Meanwhile, back at the Supreme Court, Chief Justice Farheen Sadiq issued a statement that would mark the next phase of the country's recovery.
Chief Justice Farheen Sadiq (solemnly):
"This nation deserves a fresh start. Therefore, in accordance with the law, new elections will be held in three months' time. The people will decide their future."
The decision sparked a new wave of political activity, as parties scrambled to prepare for the upcoming elections.
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Scene 15: The Nation at a Crossroads
As Zayd's trial came to an end, the nation stood at a crossroads. The fall of the government, the betrayal of military and political leaders, and the murder of a brave journalist had left the country scarred. But there was hope—a chance for renewal, a chance for the people to reclaim their country.
Farheen Sadiq (reflecting):
"Justice has been served, but the real battle begins now. Can we rebuild what's been broken?"
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Questions for the Readers:
With Zayd behind bars, will the nation truly heal, or are there deeper wounds still festering?
How will the upcoming elections shape the future of the country?
Can the people trust their leaders again, or will history repeat itself?