ICT dismisses Inu’s petition

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has rejected an application filed by ex-information minister Hasanul Haq Inu seeking a reinvestigation into a case over alleged crimes against humanity, including the killing of six people in Kushtia during the July mass uprising.

The order was issued on Thursday by a three-member judicial panel of International Crimes Tribunal-2, led by its chairman Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury, following a hearing on Inu’s petition, reports media. Senior lawyer Mansurul Haque Chowdhury represented Inu in court and sought a reinvestigation into the crimes against humanity case. A

Another defence lawyer, Sifat Mahmud Shuvo, said the defence had submitted the application on Wednesday, requesting a reinvestigation into the case against Inu. “Today was fixed for the hearing on arguments. After hearing both sides, the tribunal rejected the application,” he said.

Explaining the grounds for the request, Shuvo said the defence had raised concerns over recent reports published in various media outlets regarding the tribunal’s prosecution and investigation agencies. “We are distressed by these developments, which have raised questions about the entire trial process. For that reason, we sought a reinvestigation in the case,” he added.

Earlier, on March 10, Inu submitted a written explanation of about 64 pages as part of his defence testimony. The statement was filed through his lawyers, who later alleged that he was not given the opportunity to present oral testimony before the tribunal.