Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal Md Aminul Islam has said that if ousted former prime minister Sheikh Hasina receives the death penalty in the July uprising-related crimes against humanity case, then Jasad President Hasanul Haq Inu cannot receive only a 10-year sentence for the same type of charges.
Speaking to journalists at his office on Tuesday in response to the verdict in Inu’s case, he said, “In my view, the court could not properly grasp the essence of the law.”
The chief prosecutor said the charges against Inu have been proven, and his responsibility is on par with that of Sheikh Hasina. “In the crimes against humanity during the July uprising, Sheikh Hasina bore responsibility as the superior authority, and Hasanul Haq Inu bears the same responsibility. If Sheikh Hasina gets the death penalty, a 10-year sentence for Inu is not consistent with the law.”
He warned that without exemplary punishment for such perpetrators, such crimes will increase in society.
“The prosecution is by no means satisfied with this verdict. Our position is that Inu should have received the maximum punishment – the death penalty,” Aminul Islam said.
He alleged that the tribunal failed to properly evaluate witness testimonies and evidence presented. “We will definitely appeal against this verdict. Additionally, in the three counts where inadequate punishment was given, we will also appeal for an increase in the sentence.”
The chief prosecutor claimed Inu was present at a 14-party alliance meeting chaired by Hasina, where he took a position in favour of suppressing the movement and identifying protesters as BNP, Jamaat, terrorists, and communal elements.
He alleged Inu instigated the ban on Jamaat and legitimised killings and torture by law enforcement agencies and armed cadres of the 14-party alliance. At the same meeting, there were discussions about the “shoot on sight” order and plans to identify and eliminate BNP and Jamaat, he claimed.
In a telephone conversation with Hasina, Inu supported her actions and suggested using the “militant card” again, advising the division of protesters and the elimination of BNP and Jamaat, according to the Chief Prosecutor.
He also alleged that Inu instructed the Kushtia SP, following which six people were killed.
Aminul Islam claimed Inu’s provocative statements and conspiratorial activities resulted in approximately 1,400 deaths and over 15,000 injuries across the country, stressing that under ‘Superior Command Responsibility’, responsibility falls on both Hasina and Inu.
