Bangladesh’s war crimes tribunal has terminated the trial against Jamaat-e-Islami leader AKM Yusuf who died last week.
Published : 12 Feb 2014, 02:48 PM
The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT)-2 headed by Justice Obaidul Hassan gave the order on Wednesday.
The tribunal in its order said Yusuf was the case’s sole accused and the judgment would have continued to reach an order if there were others accused.
“We regret that accused’s sudden death has surely deprived not only him but the victims and sufferers who coming in the dock with the aspiration of getting justice narrated the enormous pains and horror they sustained resulting from serious system crimes,” said the order.
The 88-year old died of cardiac arrest at Coronary Care Unit (CCU) of Bangabandhu Medical University (BSMMU) hospital on Feb 9 after he fell ill at the Kashimpur Central Jail.
The Jamaat leader was suffering from old-age complications, said his lawyer M Tajul Islam.
“This order does not amount to posthumous acquittal of AKM Yusuf for crimes against humanity and genocide for which he was indicted,” clarified the order of the Tribunal.
The tribunal stated that the testimony of victims and sufferers who came before the Tribunal shall ever be considered as a response to the legitimate needs of justice
Yusuf was arrested on May 12 at his Dhanmondi residence hours after the tribunal issued the arrest warrant for him.
The ICT indicted him on 13 war crimes charges, including killing, genocide and arson on Aug 1 last year.
Witness testimonies for prosecution and defence ended on Jan 30.