HC verdict on Abrar Fahad murder: What happens next?
In addition, the defendants themselves can also appeal by challenging the verdict of the trial court
The High Court today (16 March) upheld the trial court's verdict in the Abrar Fahad murder case, sentencing 20 people to death and five others to life imprisonment.
But what happens next?
Speaking to The Business Standard, Md Ruhul Quddus (Kajal), a senior advocate of the Bangladesh Supreme Court, said the process of the case was not going to end any time soon.
"If the accused or the state files an appeal in the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court, it will take time to be resolved. Then there will be a review. Finally, the convicted [if the sentence is upheld in the final trial] may seek mercy from the president," he said.
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Only after this the issue of implementing the verdict will come about.
"The reference on which the High Court gave the verdict today is a legal obligation. If a judicial court [a session judge with the rank of a district judge] orders the death penalty for an accused, it does not become effective directly. The case documents are sent to the High Court in the form of a reference for approval of the death penalty verdict," Quddus said.
In addition, the defendants themselves can also appeal by challenging the verdict of the trial court, he added.
"Today's verdict was announced after the hearing of the reference and appeal together. In my opinion, the state will not appeal today's verdict. The defendants may, however, do what they want."
The advocate said it was worth noting that many appeals filed in the Appellate Division against the death penalty have been awaiting disposal for more than 10 years.
"Considering the importance of the case, I think the Appellate Division can also dispose of this case quickly on priority basis compared to other cases," he said.
