ICT files cases against 62 policemen, 9 military personnel so far
"We have received 339 allegations till 10 April and as per the complaint registrar, the probe body is currently investigating 39 cases. Of the 141 accused, 54 have been arrested and 87 are still at large," said ICT Chief Prosecutor Muhammad Tajul Islam
A total of 22 miscellaneous cases have been filed so far against 141 people, of which 62 are former policemen and nine military personnel, at the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) over the genocides and crimes against humanity committed during the student-led July-August mass uprising.
"We have received 339 allegations till 10 April and as per the complaint registrar, the probe body is currently investigating 39 cases. Of the 141 accused, 54 have been arrested and 87 are still at large," said ICT Chief Prosecutor Muhammad Tajul Islam.
Pointing out the challenges like the lack of skilled investigation officers experienced in handling complex probe regarding crimes against humanity, shortage of manpower, non-cooperation from the public officials loyal to the former Sheikh Hasina regime, spreading of rumors, misinformation against prosecutors and investigation officials by the former regime loyalists, attempt to hamper probe and trial by investing huge money, even planting bombs to kill the investigation officials and prosecutors, the chief prosecutor said they have to face all these hurdles and that is why it will not be logical to set timeframe for the investigation.
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"We want to bring the masterminds behind the atrocities, people who are directly involved with the crimes, to justice. We don't want to follow the 'standard of proving' of the past tribunal. We have brought the shinning truth before you," he further said.
The ICT chief prosecutor also said the matter of issuing INTERPOL red notice against ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina is in progress within the system of the international police organization, while it sent necessary documents to Ministry of Home Affairs on April 10, to facilitate International Criminal Police Organization - INTERPOL to issue its red notice against 10 people, including Obaidul Quader and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal.
H further said they have so far recorded statements of more than 1,000 people and collected digital evidence, including more than 1000 video clippings.
The prosecutor also said the tribunal team has visited three places related to enforced disappearances in Dhaka and three in Chapainawabganj and Bogura, and collected evidence.
