The prosecution will file an appeal with the Supreme Court this week against the “inadequate sentence” handed down to Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (Jasad) President Hasanul Haq Inu for crimes against humanity committed during July uprising.
Prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim told journalists on Sunday that Inu was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment by the court, and all preparations to appeal for an increase in his sentence have been completed.
The full 500-page verdict of the International Crimes Tribunal, which awarded a total of 30 years’ imprisonment – 10 years for each of three proven charges – was published on 16 September.
Tribunal Deputy Registrar Mahmudul Hasan told TIMES that copies of the judgment were supplied to the defence on Sunday.
On 30 June, International Crimes Tribunal-2, led by Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury, pronounced the judgment.
The court ruled that three out of the eight charges brought against Inu were proven, acquitting him of the remaining five.
The judicial process began with an investigation on 25 March last year. The investigation agency submitted its report to the prosecution on 11 September, and on 25 September of the same year, the prosecution filed eight specific charges, which the tribunal took into cognizance on the same day following a hearing.
Charges were formally framed on 2 November.
Prosecution witness testimony began on 1 December last year. A total of 10 witnesses testified in prosecution, including the investigating officer, three eyewitnesses, two expert witnesses, one member of a victim’s family, and two seizure-list witnesses.
Two defence witnesses testified on behalf of the accused. Following lengthy arguments from both the prosecution and defence on 14 May this year, the tribunal kept the case pending for verdict, and on 22 June set 30 June as the date for judgment delivery.
Inu, who served as information minister during Awami League government, contested his home constituency in Kushtia as a candidate of the party-led alliance in 12th National Parliamentary Election. However, he was defeated by an Awami League rebel candidate.
