Joy, Palak ordered internet shutdown to conceal genocide: ICT Chief Prosecutor

International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam on Wednesday alleged that Sajeeb Wazed Joy, son of ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, and former ICT state minister Junaid Ahmed Palak ordered an internet shutdown during the July mass uprising to hide information about killings from the international community.

The chief prosecutor made the remarks at a press briefing at the tribunal premises on Wednesday (February 18), after the prosecution presented its opening statement in a crimes against humanity case linked to the July 2024 uprising.

According to Tajul Islam, Joy and Palak were among the key masterminds behind the July killings, arguing that their control over the ICT sector enabled them to facilitate mass violence by cutting off internet access during the protests. 

He said the shutdown was intended to prevent information about the alleged atrocities from reaching the global audience.

The prosecutor further alleged that Palak held consultations with Salman F Rahman, then an adviser to the prime minister, to coordinate actions that aided the violence. He said the prosecution has gathered documentary and testimonial evidence demonstrating planning and coordination among the accused.

Tajul Islam told reporters that the defendants not only attempted to conceal information through the internet blackout but were also directly involved in planning the killings. 

He said these allegations were outlined in detail in the prosecution’s opening statement before the International Crimes Tribunal.

The tribunal is scheduled to begin recording witness testimony in the case on February 25.