Ex-MP Saiful among 16 indicted in Ashulia body burning

International Crimes Tribunal-2 has framed charges against 16 accused, including former lawmaker Saiful Islam in a crimes against humanity case over burning of six protesters' bodies in Ashulia during the July uprising.

A three-member tribunal, led by Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury, framed the charges and ordered to start the trial on Thursday.

Meanwhile, the tribunal issued an arrest warrant against eight accused who are absconding.

Of the 16 accused, eight are in custody. They include former additional superintendents of Police Md Shahidul Islam and Abdullahil Kafi, former DB inspector Md Arafat Hossain, and former sub-inspectors Abdul Malek, Arafat Uddin, Kamrul Hasan, Sheikh Abzalul Haque, and former constable Mukul Chokdar.

Earlier on August 13, the argument from both sides was concluded.

The case involves the killing of six youths during the July Uprising and subsequently torching their bodies in Ashulia to conceal the evidence.

Earlier on July 2, the prosecution formally submitted charges against the 16 accused, along with 313 pages of documents, 62 witnesses, 168 pages of exhibits, and two pen drives containing additional evidence. Arrest warrants were issued for the eight absconding accused.

A case was filed with the International Crimes Tribunal on September 11 last year, accusing the 16 of crimes against humanity.