The International Crimes Tribunal-1 has stated that former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun may be granted a conditional pardon after admitting guilt and offering to become a state witness in the July Massacre case.
In a written order released on Saturday, July 12, following signatures by the tribunal judges, the court said the pardon is subject to Mamun’s full disclosure of his own role and those of his associates in the crimes committed during the July–August crackdown on the mass uprising.
“The tribunal is of the opinion that Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun may be pardoned under the condition that he will truthfully and comprehensively disclose details of his involvement, the allegations made, and information regarding others involved, to the best of his knowledge,” the order read.
It further stated that Mamun must also appear before the tribunal whenever summoned to testify. The former police chief accepted the pardon on these terms.
Considering his status as a state witness, the tribunal also ordered the prison authorities to ensure his separation from the general prison population for security reasons. The tribunal registrar has been instructed to liaise with the prison administration to enforce this.
Earlier on July 10, Mamun admitted to committing crimes against humanity during the suppression of the student-led mass uprising in July–August. In a statement to the tribunal, he said, “The allegations brought against us regarding murder and genocide during the July–August movement are true. I plead guilty. I want to assist the court as a state witness and reveal the full truth behind what happened.”
The three-member tribunal, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mojumder, accepted Mamun’s plea during formal charge framing in the case.
On the same day, the tribunal also formally indicted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and two others in connection with the case, rejecting petitions to dismiss the charges.
