Court Orders Removal of Derogatory Content Targeting ICT-1 Judges
The court has ordered the removal of all derogatory and satirical images and writings about judges of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) from social media and all forms of mass media. At the same time, the tribunal made it clear that the law applies equally to everyone while hearing the application seeking virtual appearance for the accused army officers.
On 23 November, Sunday, the two-member bench of International Crimes Tribunal-1—comprising Justice Md. Golam Mortuza Majumder and Judge Md. Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury—made the remarks. The tribunal did not pass any order on the application seeking permission for virtual appearance of the army officers, instead fixing the next hearing for 3 December. On the same date, the tribunal directed the BTRC chairman and the information secretary to submit a report confirming the removal of all such defamatory and satirical videos, images, and writings.
Earlier, at 10:00 am, the accused army officers were brought to the tribunal, and they were presented in court at around 11:00 am. The tribunal commenced at 11:20 am.
During the proceedings, the tribunal ordered the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) to remove all derogatory and satirical images and writings about the ICT-1 judges from social media and mass media. The tribunal also instructed the BTRC chairman and the information secretary to submit a compliance report by 3 December.
The tribunal observed that it has come to their notice that fabricated and distorted representations of the judges of this tribunal have been circulated on social media and mass media. They directed that all insulting, derogatory, and contemptuous images, information, comments, and statements be removed from all platforms. The tribunal also clarified that the media is free to publish or express anything as long as it does not tarnish the tribunal’s image, dignity, or authority, and does not violate the law.
In response to the defence lawyers' appeal, the tribunal said the request cannot be granted. “When a former Chief Justice appears in person, why should there be an exception for army officers? The law applies equally to all.” Addressing the defence lawyers, the tribunal further said, “If you find it inconvenient, ask the government to withdraw the case.”
After the hearing, Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam briefed the media, stating: “They (the accused army officers) sought virtual appearance. The tribunal has stated that the law applies equally to everyone. A former Chief Justice is in jail and must appear physically. Former judges of the Appellate Division, former senior ministers, and accused persons of various ranks must appear in person. Nothing different has occurred here that warrants special consideration for virtual attendance. The tribunal does not deem it necessary. All citizens are equal in the eyes of the law.”
He added that the tribunal will nonetheless hear the defence application.
A total of 28 persons—including 23 former and current army officers—are accused in two cases of crimes against humanity related to enforced disappearances and torture during the fall of the Awami League government amid mass outrage. Thirteen of these army officers have been arrested.
DBTech/PA/Muim/OR
