No legal bar to use Hasina’s statements unless those are hateful: Chief Prosecutor

Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) Md Aminul Islam on Tuesday said that there is no legal bar to broadcasting and printing of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's statements by media, provided they are not hateful in nature.

The Chief Prosecutor also informed that the ICT aimed at completing the investigations and trials in the cases filed over the 2024 July Mass Uprising on a priority basis by the end of this year.

The Chief Prosecutor disclosed the information while briefing reporters at his office marking the second anniversary of the July Uprising and the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, 2024.

Aminul said 16 people have so far been sentenced to death, most of whom remain fugitives.

In response to a question from journalist, Chief Prosecutor said the court's restriction applies only to statements that are hateful in nature or are likely to damage the reputation of the tribunal. If a statement does not contain such elements, there is no legal obstacle to its publication or broadcast.

Asked about Sheikh Hasina's anticipated remarks, he said, “Let's wait until tomorrow between 6:00pm and 7:00pm. We'll see whether she actually delivers a statement or whether it's all just empty noise.”

The Chief Prosecutor said that the tribunal is set to initiate the process of expediting the enforcement of court orders to confiscate the assets of convicted offenders and recover fines imposed in its cases, Chief Prosecutor Md Aminul Islam said today (4 August).

"However, we will begin the process within a short time to enforce the financial penalties imposed on those whose trials have already been completed," he said.

The chief prosecutor added that steps will be taken to determine how asset confiscation orders and fines ranging from Tk 1 lakh to Tk 2 lakh could be implemented quickly, even if the convicted individuals remain absconding.

"There has so far been no precedent at the International Crimes Tribunal for confiscating assets and recovering money through the sale of those assets to distribute among the families of martyrs," he said.

He added, "We want to begin this process for the first time after reviewing the relevant laws and international legal frameworks."

He noted that the tribunal's Rules of Procedure do not contain specific guidelines on the matter, adding that officials are examining whether other existing laws can be applied by the government to carry out the orders.

Regarding the developments of July uprising trials, the prosecutor said that the prosecution team is working to complete all trials related to crimes against humanity committed during the July movement within one year.

He noted that six cases have been disposed of at the tribunal so far - three prior to his appointment and three after.

He further stated that completing six trials within one to one-and-a-half years was accomplished swiftly while maintaining transparency, neutrality, and international standards, adding that rushing the process further could raise public doubts, which is why proceedings are moving forward transparently at a normal pace.

Regarding cases in their final stages, the chief prosecutor informed that verdicts for nearly three cases are expected within this month.

He mentioned that closing arguments are currently underway in the case against Obaidul Quader, while arguments have concluded in the case involving Mahbub Ul Alam Hanif, with a verdict expected any day.

Additionally, arguments in the Taim murder case in Jatrabari are set to begin in a few days, and the witness testimony stage in the case against Ziaul Ahsan is nearly finished.

Islam emphasised that while trials related to the July movement are being prioritised, the prosecution is also addressing cases involving enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings.

Over 3,000 crossfire incidents across the country are under investigation, with several probe reports already completed, he said.

He added that trial proceedings have begun for the murder of Councillor Ekram in Cox's Bazar and the Shapla Chattar incident, noting that formal charges are being submitted in phases following the submission of 12 investigation reports.