ICT sentences Inu to 10 years for crimes against humanity

Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD) president Hasanul Haq Inu has been sentenced to 10 years in prison in a case filed over crimes against humanity, including the killing of six people in Kushtia during the July mass uprising.

The verdict was delivered on Tuesday at around 2:30 PM by the International Crimes Tribunal-2, headed by Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury. The three-member panel also included Justice Md. Manjurul Basid and Justice Nur Mohammad Shahriar Kabir.

Inu was present in the dock when the verdict was announced.

Earlier, at 1:42 PM, the sole accused in the case was brought from the prison cell to the courtroom of the tribunal. The reading of the 211-page judgment then began. Tribunal-2 member Justice Shahriar Kabir read out the eight charges brought against him, while Justice Manjurul Basid highlighted parts of the testimony and evidence. The entire proceedings were broadcast live on Bangladesh Television.

According to the verdict, Inu was sentenced to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment for the third charge of torture and political repression, another 10 years for charge six involving conspiracy, instigation and complicity along with a fine of one lakh taka, and a further 10 years for charge seven, also with a fine of one lakh taka.

He was, however, acquitted of charges one, two, four, five and eight.

Since all sentences will run concurrently, he will effectively serve 10 years in prison.

The judgment date had previously been set for June 30, following a hearing on June 22.

Chief Prosecutor Md. Aminul Islam appeared for the prosecution, while senior lawyer Monsoorul Haque Chowdhury represented the defence.

According to case documents, the allegations include a July 18, 2024 interview with an international media outlet, participation in a 14-party alliance meeting, alleged phone instructions to the Superintendent of Police in Kushtia, and incitement to suppress the protest movement. Ten witnesses testified in the case, along with multiple audio and video pieces of evidence.