Tribunal to deliver verdict in crimes against humanity case against Inu today

The International Crimes Tribunal-2 is set to deliver its verdict today, Tuesday, June 30, in the crimes against humanity case against Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JASOD) President Hasanul Haq Inu. The three-member tribunal, led by Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury, will announce the verdict. The case was kept pending for judgment after both sides concluded their arguments on May 14. The tribunal recently set today's date for the verdict.

The tribunal took cognisance of formal charges against Inu on September 25 last year. The charges include incitement of attacks on protesters, ordering the killing of protesters during the July 2024 mass uprising in his constituency of Kushtia, and being complicit in the government's 'shoot-at-sight' order. It is alleged that Inu, as head of the 14-party alliance partner JASOD, used his position to incite violence against the student movement. On July 18, he allegedly labelled protesters as BNP-Jamaat activists and terrorists in an interview with Mumbai-based media outlet Mirror Now. On July 19, he participated in a meeting at Ganabhaban chaired by Sheikh Hasina, where the 'shoot-at-sight' order was issued.

On July 20, Inu allegedly called the Kushtia Superintendent of Police, instructing him to identify protesters and take action against them. Following these instructions, police and armed cadres of the 14-party alliance allegedly opened fire on protesters in various parts of Kushtia until August 5, killing seven people.

The prosecution presented 10 witnesses, including the investigating officer, while the defence presented two. An investigation into Inu was initiated on May 25 last year, and the investigation report was submitted on September 11. On November 2, the tribunal framed charges and ordered the trial to begin.