ICT to probe AL-era ‘crossfires’ and 1/11 crimes against humanity, says chief prosecutor

Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal Aminul Islam has stated that crossfire incidents during the ousted Awami League regime and even crimes against humanity committed during the period of the 1/11 government will be brought to justice.

“The crossfire incidents that have occurred, the cases related to the Anti-discrimination Student Movement, and even crimes against humanity committed during the time of 1/11 – if these fall under the jurisdiction of this tribunal, we will bring them forward,” the chief prosecutor said while responding to journalists’ questions at his office in the International Crimes Tribunal this afternoon (31 March).

At one point, a journalist asked, “You are mentioning 1/11. Will you bring a case to the tribunal against one of the key figures of 1/11, dismissed [former DGFI director] Lt Col Md Afzal Naser?”

In reply, Aminul Islam said, “Let me put it simply – whether they are currently being arrested, will be arrested in the future, or are not arrested at all, if we find involvement of individuals in crimes against humanity during the 1/11 period or otherwise, the tribunal will investigate those suo motu [on its own motion]. 

“If sufficient evidence is found to bring them to trial, they will be faced with justice at the tribunal.”