The International Crimes Strategy Forum (ICSF) has disagreed with the law minister's comment that the trial of Jamaat-e-Islami was not possible under the existing ICT Act.
The organisation has issued a press release in this regard on Friday, a day after the minister said Jamaat cannot be tried now under the tribunal law as it lacks provision for the purpose.
The press release read: “Law Minister Advocate Anisul Haque's comment regarding Jamaat's trial has come to the ICSF's attention. The ICSF disagrees with law minister on the basis of his stand regarding the trial.”
The law minister says trial of Jamaat is not possible under existing law
It further stated: “The law minister claimed there is no provision in the amended in Iinternational Crimes Tribunal [ICT] Act 1973 under which any political party can be tried. But, in 2009, the ICT has included the provision of trying any organisation by amending section 3(1) of the act.
As no case is being commenced against Jamaat-e- Islami as an organisation for committing international crime right now. Therefore, if any case is commenced against Jamaat for its 1971 role, it will not contradict the case on Jamaat's registration,” it added.
“ICSF believes, according the provision of the ICT Act, the adjudication of Jamaat-e-Islami as an organisation, and giving the final judgement regarding the issue, is vested upon the honorable judges of the tribunal.”
Expressing great concern, the ICSF observed that this type of “advance comment” and explanation from the law minister has not only created confusion among the people, also created scope for government to interfere and influence the trial proceeding of the tribunal.
The ICSF is a coalition of activists and organisations committed to the cause of bringing to justice the perpetrators of war crimes during the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971.
United, the coalition stands against all forms of impunity.
