ICT chief prosecutor warns of attempts to sabotage tribunal

ICT Tribunal

Dhaka, Sept 3 — Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) Md Aminul Islam on Thursday said the prosecution has secret information suggesting there may be some plans afoot to sabotage the tribunal.

He made the remarks while briefing reporters at his office.

“Our tribunal’s security has been strengthened compared to before. We have some secret information that there may be an attempt to carry out sabotage here when the trials of influential accused are nearing their conclusion or when verdicts are awaiting,” he said.

He said law enforcement agencies have been given necessary instructions to strengthen security at the tribunal and are overseeing security arrangements.

The chief prosecutor also said investigations are underway against several journalists over allegations of aiding and inciting crimes against humanity.

Md Aminul Islam said a formal complaint had been received against some journalists, registered and taken up for investigation.

As part of the investigation, three journalists are currently in jail, he said.

“If preliminary evidence of crimes against humanity is found against any other journalist during the investigation and the investigation report establishes evidence of such crimes, formal charges will also be filed against them and steps will be taken to bring them to trial before the tribunal,” he said.

Regarding the murder case of journalist couple Sagar Sarwar and Meherun Runi, the chief prosecutor said a clue related to the killings had been found during another investigation.

He said if any further information or relevant evidence concerning the Sagar-Runi murder is found during the investigation, it will be collected and handed over to the concerned investigators.

Meanwhile, the chief prosecutor said the prosecution would appeal seeking an increase in the sentence of former information minister Hasanul Haq Inu after receiving the full text of the tribunal’s verdict in his case.

He said the full verdict would be reviewed after it is received and necessary legal steps would be taken to seek enhancement of the sentence. - UNB