ICT to hear lawyer Mashiuzzaman’s opinion in Hasina contempt case on Jun 25
The International Crimes Tribunal-1 on Thursday appointed lawyer AY Mashiuzzaman as amicus curiae to give his opinion on June 25 in a contempt of court case against ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina and Awami League leader Shakil Akand Bulbul.
When contacted, Mashiuzzaman told New Age that he had no prior knowledge of the matter.New Age products
He said that he would decide in this regard after receiving the tribunal’s order.
The contempt case is based on allegations that Sheikh Hasina, while in India, made provocative remarks during a phone call with Gaibandha Awami League leader Shakil Akand Bulbul.
Prosecutors said that her comments incited party activists to carry out subversive acts, including arson attacks. They claimed that she had stated that she had a ‘licence to kill 227 people’—a reference to the number of cases filed against her over deaths during the July uprising.
Prosecutors argued that such remarks interfered with the ongoing war crimes trials linked to the uprising.
Tribunal chair Justice Golam Mortuza Mozumder appointed the amicus curiae.
The International Crimes (Tribunals) Act, 1973 lacks legal representation to absconding accused as state defence in cases involving lesser punishment than the capital punnishment.
The tribunal has the authority to impose punishment for contempt, including up to one year in jail or a fine of Tk 5,000.
Earlier, the tribunal issued a public notice on May 27 in one Bangla and one English daily, asking Sheikh Hasina to appear in person. She failed to respond.
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New Age | ICT to hear lawyer Mashiuzzaman’s opinion in Hasina contempt case on Jun 25
