The International Crimes Tribunal-2 has reserved its verdict following the conclusion of closing arguments in the high-profile crimes against humanity case involving Obaidul Quader, General Secretary of the banned Awami League, alongside six other prominent figures.
Arguments from both the prosecution and state-appointed defence counsel concluded on Monday. Following the submission of final legal points, the tribunal formally placed the case under CAV (Curia Advisari Vult), indicating that the judges will deliberate on the evidence before announcing the judgment on any upcoming date.
The state-appointed defence counsel representing the accused included Advocates M. Hasan Imam and Ishrat Jahan, who argued for the mitigation and acquittal of the defendants. The prosecution team was led by Prosecutors Mizanul Islam and Gazi M. H. Tamim, who presented extensive arguments detailing the alleged offences. The prosecution completed its final submissions last Wednesday, petitioning the court for the maximum statutory penalty for all seven defendants alongside the formal forfeiture and confiscation of their personal assets by the state.
The trial stems from grave allegations of crimes against humanity committed during the July mass uprising, a period marked by widespread student-led demonstrations and violent clashes that ultimately brought down the Awami League-led government.
Along with Obaidul Quader, the six other co-accused facing trial in this proceeding are:
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A. F. M. Bahauddin Nasim, Joint General Secretary of the Awami League
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Mohammad Ali Arafat, former State Minister for Information and Broadcasting
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Sheikh Fazle Shams Parash, President of the Jubo League
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Mainul Hossain Khan Nikhil, General Secretary of the Jubo League
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Saddam Hossain, President of the Chhatra League
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Sheikh Wali Asif Inan, General Secretary of the Chhatra League
With all formal legal submissions, witness testimonies, and documentary evidence now fully recorded, the tribunal will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the case materials before scheduling the final date to deliver its verdict.
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