ICT's Facebook page faces cyber attack during Hasina trial broadcast: Tajul
The Chief Prosecutor's office of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) reported a cyber-attack on its official Facebook page today (12 October) while live-broadcasting the final arguments in the crimes against humanity case against former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and another accused.
ICT Chief Prosecutor Md Tajul Islam disclosed the incident during a press briefing held at the tribunal premises, confirming that the official Facebook page "Office of Chief Prosecutor, International Crimes Tribunal, Bangladesh" was temporarily disabled by the attack but has since been recovered.
"The prosecution's final arguments were being broadcast live on social media today. Exactly at that time, our International Crimes Tribunal Chief Prosecutor's Office Facebook page was hit by a cyber-attack," Tajul Islam stated.
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The chief prosecutor strongly implied that the cyber-attack was a deliberate attempt by the accused and their associates to conceal the proceedings from the global audience.
"These criminals do not want the world to know the description of their cruelty, presented with extensive evidence during the arguments," he said. "They don't want the world to realise how transparent this trial is, or how irrefutable the evidence is."
The prosecution began presenting its final arguments against Sheikh Hasina, Asaduzzaman Khan, and the third accused, former police chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, around 11:45am. The arguments were presented before ICT-1, headed by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumdar.
Tajul Islam delivered a resolute message to those behind the cyber disruption, emphasising the prosecution's commitment to ensuring justice.
"Our message is that just as one cannot escape accountability for committing a crime, no attempt to protect criminals will succeed in Bangladesh," he stated.
"We [ICT] are firmly resolved. We are not seeking revenge against anyone; we are working to ensure justice. We harbour no ill will towards any individual."
The trial, which addresses crimes against humanity allegedly committed during the July Uprising, has seen testimony from 54 witnesses heard and cross-examined over 28 working days. After the prosecution concludes its arguments, the state-appointed defence lawyers will present their case before the verdict is reserved.
