Dhaka:  Law Minister Barrister Shafique Ahmed Wednesday said the War Crime Probe and the Advocacy Panel are not accountable to each other, as both will work together in trying the criminals.

“Leaders of the International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ) and Crimes and Justice project have assured the government of giving necessary support to both the Tribunal and the advocacy panel in trying war criminals” he told reporters.  

The law minister made the remark after a meeting with director of the Asian Zone of International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ) Patrick Burgess and deputy director of Crime and Justice Project Caitling Reiger at the Secretariat.  

The minister said, “They will also provide us some copies of verdicts in such crimes committed in different countries across the globe.”

Asked whether any of war criminals will face death sentence, Shafique said, “The mode of punishment will come out through trial. The government will not make any comment before the verdict, which will be pronounced based on depositions and evidences.”

The resignation of chief investigator Abdul Motin would not hamper the investigation process on the 1971 crimes against humanity, he said. Besides, the number of investigating officers and lawyers will be increased, if necessary.

The law minister also termed the crime committed during the liberation war in 1971 “planned one” and said the criminals who were involved in looting, raping and arson attacks then will be tried properly so that nobody can raise any question on it.

BSDT: Hrs1640, May19, 2010
JIL/PB/SMS/MUA