The International Crimes Tribunal-1 (ICT-1) has issued its detailed verdict in the case over crimes against humanity committed during last year's July Uprising, finding all three accused guilty across five charges.

The Tribunal held former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and former inspector general of police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun responsible for instigation, incitement, issuing orders that led to mass killings, and offences under "superior command responsibility" and "joint criminal enterprise".

Sheikh Hasina was found guilty on three counts under charge number 1.

On the first charge, the tribunal sentenced Sheikh Hasina to imprisonment until death for incitement, instigation, assistance, involvement, and failure to prevent crimes after delivering "provocative" speeches that led to the killing of students and the mass public.

She was found guilty under section 3, substitution 1A, section 3, subsection 2, clause G, section 3, subsection 2, Clause, section 4, section 1, clause B and section 4, subsection 3 of the International Crime Tribunal sect 1973 under the charge number 1. 

For all three counts, the tribunal imposed a single sentence of imprisonment until natural death.

Under charge number 2, Sheikh Hasina was also convicted of ordering the killing of protesters through the use of helicopters, drones, and lethal weapons, as well as for the killings at Dhaka's Chankharpul and the killing and burning of six bodies in Ashulia.

For these offenses, the tribunal ruled that she shall face the death sentence.

The tribunal also convicted Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and former IGP Abdullah Al-Mamun on the charges relating to the killings at Chankharpul and Ashulia.

Kamal received the death penalty, while Mamun, who testified as a state witness and provided information to help establish the case, was sentenced to five years' imprisonment.

The former home minister has been held liable for the commission of crime against humanity under section 3 2A3, 2G3 2H4 1E43 of the International Crime Tribunal Act 1973.

The verdict was delivered by a three-member panel of ICT-1, led by Justice Golam Mortuza Mazumder. Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal were tried in absentia, while Abdullah Al-Mamun was present in court as a state witness.

Asset confiscation and compensation

The tribunal ordered that the properties of Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal in Bangladesh be confiscated in favour of the state. It also directed the government to provide adequate compensation to the victims of the July movement, both for those killed and those injured.

Implementation

The tribunal instructed that the sentences be carried out in accordance with Section 20, Subsection 3 of the ICT Act 1973, following long-standing legal practice. Copies of the judgment are to be transmitted to the district magistrate, Dhaka, for necessary action.

A copy of the judgment will also be supplied to Chawdhury Abdullah Mamun. 

According to the law, absconding accused will not receive a copy of the verdict.

The tribunal stressed that all directives and sentences must be complied with fully, ensuring justice for the victims of the July movement.

Hasina / verdict / Sheikh Hasina Verdict / International Crimes Tribunal