Journalist Farzana, Babu to face trial in Shapla Chattar case

Journalists Farzana Rupa and Mozammel Babu are set to face trial in a case related to alleged crimes against humanity over the 2013 Shapla Chattar incident in Dhaka’s Motijheel area.

A two-member judicial panel led by Justice Md. Shafiul Alam Mahmud, a member of the International Crimes Tribunal-1, gave the order on Thursday (May 7). The other member of the panel is Judge Md. Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury.

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 directed both accused to appear before the court on May 14.

On the same day, the prosecution filed applications seeking production warrants for former minister Dr. Dipu Moni, journalist Farzana Rupa, and Mozammel Babu.

Prosecution Allegations
Prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim told the tribunal that on May 5, 2013, during the Shapla Chattar incident, Dipu Moni was serving as foreign minister and allegedly made statements portraying law enforcement actions as the removal of “miscreants.”

He also alleged that journalists Farzana Rupa and Mozammel Babu, through Channel 71, broadcast content that portrayed the Hefazat-e-Islam rally as provocative from the beginning.

After the hearing, the tribunal ordered the accused to be produced before the court and fixed May 14 for the next hearing.

The tribunal also set June 7 as the deadline for submitting the investigation report.

Background of the Case
The case relates to allegations surrounding the May 5, 2013 operation at Shapla Chattar during a large Hefazat-e-Islam gathering, which reportedly resulted in deaths and widespread controversy.

So far, six accused individuals have been arrested and are in custody, including former state minister for home affairs Shamsul Haque Tuku, retired Major General Ziaul Ahsan, former police chiefs AKM Shahidul Haque and Molla Nazrul Islam, and others.

The case was originally brought by Hefazat-e-Islam leader Azizul Haque to the Chief Prosecutor of the tribunal, supported by leaders Junayed Al Habib and Maulana Mamunul Haque. A total of 21 individuals have been named in the case.