UK-based lawyer files case against Sheikh Hasina at ICC

UK-based lawyer Barrister Md Ashraful Arefin, alongside Barristers Sarah Fore and Emil Lixandru, has filed a case against former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at the International Criminal Court (ICC) for genocide and crimes against humanity related to the July-August uprising.

Barrister Md Ashraful Arefin, the plaintiff and a lawyer of Three Bolt Court Chambers, informed the media about the case at a press conference at the London-Bangla Press Club on Friday (1 November).

The lawyer requested the court to independently investigate the complaints against Hasina and other influential people in her government through the case.

"The case has been filed under Section 15 of Rome Statute of ICC," Ashraful said.

"We have submitted huge evidence of violence and repression carried out by Hasina on the protesters. The evidence includes witnesses, video footage and reliable information," he said.

During the press conference, the lawyer also said that he lodged the case with the ICC because he doubted justice would be served in Bangladeshi courts.

"There is an uncertainty that Hasina will get punished by the Bangladeshi court as she is currently receiving political support from India. India might be forced to cooperate internationally if the ICC issues an arrest warrant," Ashraful added.