Dhaka: The prosecution of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) today sought responsible cooperation from all concerned in ensuring justice.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the ICT issued a statement, signed by its administrative officer Md Masud Rana, protesting aggressive, false, and intentional remarks against the ICT Prosecution. The statement highlighted that any false and intentional misinterpretation of law in mass media or social media platforms obstructs the efforts to ensure justice.
Recent social media statements regarding a ‘conflict of interest’ in the hearing of ATM Azaharul Islam’s case in the Appellate Division have caught the prosecution’s attention. The ICT described these statements as unreal, false, intentional, and a misinterpretation of law, also noting personal attacks and aggressive statements about prosecution team members as defamatory and unseemly.
The office of the Chief Prosecutor clarified that the Chief Prosecutor remained absent from the hearing after flagging the matter in the Appellate Division on the first day due to his prior role as a defense lawyer for ATM Azaharul Islam in the ICT. Additional Attorney General Barrister Anik R Haque, along with prosecutors Gazi M H Tamim, Barrister Shaikh Mahadi, and Md Mamunur Rashid, represented the state and prosecution, none of whom had previously represented Islam in the ICT.
During the hearing, the Attorney General’s Office and the ICT prosecution presented their arguments and explanations before the Appellate Division. The prosecution opposed the defense lawyers’ statements on the formation and proceedings of the ICT, as well as the application of international laws and their necessity.
The statement emphasized that the Appellate Division’s decision on the evidence and arguments presented by the prosecution during the trial will be final. It also stated that while a person cannot represent two sides of a particular case, there is no legal restriction worldwide preventing a lawyer from representing similar cases or particular parties.
The statement noted that current prosecutor Karim Khan, prior to joining the ICT prosecution wing, represented former Liberian President Charles Taylor, Kenyan President William Ruto, and Saif Gaddafi, son of Libyan President Gaddafi, at the International Criminal Court (ICC). Additionally, respected advocate Khandkar Mahbub Hossain served as the chief counsel for the International Crimes Tribunal formed to try those accused under Bangladesh’s 1973 collaboration act.
The prosecution office insisted that both the Chief Prosecutor’s office and its investigation agency have been working tirelessly to ensure justice. They warned that any misinterpretation of law, intentional or false statements in mass media and social media networks, could hinder the pursuit of justice. Consequently, the prosecution expects a responsible role and cooperation from all concerned parties.