More journalists under ICT probe over July incitement: Chief prosecutor

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) is investigating several more journalists over allegations that they incited and assisted in killings and torture during the 2024 July Uprising, Chief Prosecutor Md Aminul Islam said today (3 September).

However, the number of journalists under investigation and their identities cannot be disclosed at this stage in the interest of the investigation, he told reporters at the ICT prosecution office.

He also said formal complaints had been lodged against several journalists and that the tribunal's investigation cell was looking into the allegations.

"Some of these journalists are accused of inciting and assisting a fascist government in committing crimes against humanity. There are also allegations that they made provocative statements and provided some form of assistance in committing crimes during the 2024 July Uprising," he added.

Based on the allegations, three journalists are currently being detained as part of the investigation, the chief prosecutor said.

Two of them had earlier been arrested in the Shapla Chattar case. The two were later shown arrested, along with another journalist, in the crimes-against-humanity case over alleged incitement to killings and torture during the uprising.

On 24 August, journalists Shyamol Dutta, Mozammel Babu and Farzana Rupa were shown arrested in the case.

Aminul said a broader investigation was also under way into other journalists facing specific allegations.

If the investigation establishes that anyone committed crimes and finds the initial elements of crimes against humanity, a formal report will be submitted and formal charges brought before the tribunal, he said.

The chief prosecutor also said the number of journalists under investigation and their identities could not be disclosed at this stage.

An individual had filed a formal complaint with the tribunal, which had been documented and was now under investigation, he added.

Sagar-Runi case

Regarding the murder of journalist couple Sagar Sarowar and Meherun Runi, Aminul Islam said the prosecution had found a "clue" related to the case while investigating another case.

He said the clue had already been disclosed to journalists and would be handed over to the task force responsible for investigating the murder.

The prosecution would collect any further information related to the Sagar-Runi murder case found during its ongoing investigation, he said.

Any related evidence would also be collected and handed over to the investigators concerned, he added.

Tribunal security tightened after 'tip-off' on possible sabotage

Security at the International Crimes Tribunal has been tightened following a tip-off about possible sabotage, said Aminul Islam.

He also said security at the tribunal had been increased because there could be an attempt to carry out sabotage when trials against influential accused persons were nearing their conclusion or verdicts were pending.

"We have some secret information that there could be a process to carry out sabotage here when trials against influential accused persons are nearing their conclusion or verdicts are pending," he added.

Aminul Islam said law enforcement agencies responsible for the tribunal's security had been instructed to strengthen security measures.

"You are seeing these measures as part of that process," he said.