Writ challenging tribunal law aims to undermine court, ICT chief prosecutor says
Aminul Islam mentioned that the tribunal has tried and disposed of numerous cases since its establishment in 2010
Mohammad Aminul Islam, chief prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal, has said that a writ petition filed with the High Court challenging the constitutional validity of the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act, 1973 is an attempt to discredit and undermine the tribunal.
He alleged that a coordinated campaign of misinformation is being carried out to cast doubt on the tribunal's judicial proceedings and the prosecution team's achievements.
A writ petition was recently filed with the High Court challenging the constitutional validity of the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act, 1973. Mohammad Mohsin Rashid submitted the petition to the relevant branch of the court.
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The petition questions the constitutionality of several specific provisions of the law, arguing that they are inconsistent with the fundamental rights guaranteed by Bangladesh's Constitution and contrary to the basic principles of justice. It therefore seeks judicial review of those provisions.
The chief prosecutor made the remarks today (28 June) while responding to questions from journalists after the tribunal delivered its verdict in a crimes against humanity case related to incidents in Rampura during the July movement.
Aminul Islam mentioned that the tribunal has tried and disposed of numerous cases since its establishment in 2010. He said that as trials against the "fallen fascist government" and its associates are progressing swiftly, transparently and in accordance with the law, attempts are now being made to obstruct the process by questioning the tribunal's jurisdiction and legal foundation.
He further said that the lawyer challenging the tribunal's jurisdiction had previously appeared in cases before the same tribunal. According to him, the writ was filed with the deliberate intention of creating controversy around the tribunal, allegedly at the instigation of certain individuals.
He also alleged that the issue is being raised in various international forums as part of the same effort.
