Testimony against former MP Shamim Osman, 11 others begins in July Uprising cases
However, all 12 accused in the case are absconding.
The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT)-1 today (10 June)began recording witness testimony against former MP Shamim Osman, his son Imtinan Osman Ayan and 10 others in a crimes against humanity case filed over the killing of 10 people in Narayanganj during the July movement.
However, all 12 accused in the case are absconding.
The proceedings started after the prosecution presented its opening statement before the tribunal. Md Abul Bashar, elder brother of one of the victims Md Abul Hasan, testified against them as the first witness.
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In his deposition, Bashar alleged that Ayan shot his brother during the movement, leading to his death.
According to him, he and his brother left their home in Kushiyara village under Bandar Police Station on the morning of 5 August 2024. They headed towards Chashara intersection to join the movement.
As they joined the protest, a group of 100 to 200 armed men led by Shamim Osman launched indiscriminate gunfire on demonstrators. His son Ayan, nephew Azmeri Osman, brother-in-law Tanvir Rahman Titu, followers Shah Nizam, Abdul Karim Babu, and others were present there, Bashar testified.
He told the tribunal that a bullet fired from Ayan's pistol struck Hasan on the left side of his chest.
The injured person was first taken to a Narayanganj hospital. However, hospital authorities did not admit or treat his brother due to instructions from Shamim Osman not to provide treatment to injured protesters, he alleged.
Then he was rushed to Dhaka Medical College Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries around 5 pm the next day.
Earlier on 13 May, ICT-1 formally framed three charges against the 12 accused, paving the way for the trial. The tribunal also fixed 10 June for the prosecution's opening statement and the recording of witness testimony.
The first charge relates to the killing of six people, including teenager Adil, Yasin, student Parvez, garment worker Russell, and six-year-old child Riya, in and around Chashara in Narayanganj Sadar upazila and the Signboard area under Fatullah Police Station on 19 July 2024.
The second charge concerns the killing of Abdur Rahman and Mohammad Rakib in front of the Bhuighar bus stand under Fatullah Police Station on 21 July.
The third charge alleges the killings of Badiuzzaman and Abul Hasan on 5 August, according to the prosecution.
