Trial Set for Humanitarian Crimes in July Uprising Case against Joy and Palak

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 has ordered the commencement of trial and the framing of charges against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s son and ICT Advisor Sajeeb Wazed Joy, and former ICT State Minister Zunaid Ahmed Palak, in a case concerning alleged crimes against humanity during the July uprising, including internet shutdowns and incitement on Facebook. The court has set 18 February for opening statements and witness examination.

Following the previously scheduled date, on Wednesday, 21 January, the three-member bench of the tribunal, led by Chairman Justice Md. Golam Mortuza Majumder, issued the order. The other two members of the bench are Justice Md. Shafiul Alam Mahmud and retired District and Sessions Judge Md. Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury.

During the hearing, the prosecution team included Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam, Gazi M H Tamim, Abdus Sattar Palwan, and Prosecutor Md. Mamunur Rashid. Palak was represented by Barrister Md. Liton Ahmed, while the fugitive Joy’s defense was handled by a state-appointed lawyer, Md. Munzur Alam.

Among the two accused, Palak is in custody and was brought to the tribunal from jail in the morning by police. Joy, who remains at large, is being represented legally by the state-appointed counsel.

Previously, on 15 January, the tribunal had fixed the date for the framing of charges in this case. During that hearing, both Palak’s and Joy’s lawyers argued that the accused had no connection with the three allegations presented by the prosecution and sought dismissal of the charges. However, the prosecution requested that charges be formally framed.

On 11 January, Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam conducted a hearing on framing the charges against the accused, during which the three charges were read aloud and an application was filed to commence trial against both defendants.

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