Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) Md Aminul Islam on Tuesday termed the 10-year prison sentence handed to Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD) President Hasanul Haq Inu in the crimes against humanity case over the 2024 July-August uprising inadequate, announcing that the prosecution will appeal the verdict.
Speaking immediately after the International Crimes Tribunal-2 delivered its judgment, Aminul said the prosecution would move the Appellate Division seeking a harsher sentence.
"The sentence is inadequate. We will definitely file an appeal with the Appellate Division against this verdict," he said.
The tribunal earlier on Tuesday sentenced Inu to 10 years in prison after finding him guilty in the case linked to the killings in Kushtia during the July-August uprising.
The case comprises eight charges, including allegations that Inu incited violence by branding protesters as BNP, Jamaat, terrorists and communal forces.
Prosecutors also alleged that, as JSD president and a senior leader of the then 14-party alliance, Inu took decisions and issued instructions that contributed to the suppression of the movement. He is accused of directing the Kushtia superintendent of police over the phone to take action against protesters, which allegedly resulted in the deaths of six people.
According to the prosecution, security forces opened fire on students and civilians in different parts of Kushtia town on August 5, 2024, during the July-August uprising.
Those killed were laborer Ashraful Islam, Suroj Ali Babu, student Abdullah Al Muqtakin, Usama, businessman Babul Farazi and government employee Yusuf Sheikh. Many others were also injured.
Following the incident, a case was filed against Inu before the International Crimes Tribunal. Based on the investigation report, prosecutors later submitted formal charges comprising eight counts.