Hasina remarks can air unless they are hate speech

Tribunal restriction applies only to statements that undermine the court’s dignity, says Aminul Islam
There is no legal restriction on publishing or broadcasting statements made by former prime minister Sheikh Hasina unless they constitute hate speech or undermine the dignity of the International Crimes Tribunal, Chief Prosecutor Md Aminul Islam said on Tuesday.

He made the remarks while responding to journalists’ questions at a press briefing at his office at the tribunal on August 4.

“The court’s restriction applies only to statements that amount to hate speech or damage the image and dignity of the tribunal,” Aminul said.

“There is no legal bar on publishing or broadcasting any other statement made by Sheikh Hasina,” he added.

Referring to reports that Hasina might deliver a speech on August 5, the chief prosecutor said the tribunal could not comment on whether she would speak live or whether a prerecorded message would be broadcast.

“We have also seen various statements circulating on social media, but we have no evidence regarding their authenticity,” he said.

Aminul said any speech by Hasina would have no bearing on the judicial proceedings of the tribunal.

“Whether Sheikh Hasina delivers a speech has no connection with the tribunal’s judicial process. Our responsibility is to ensure implementation of its verdict,” he said.

He added that Hasina had already been convicted and that it was now the government’s responsibility to determine how the verdict would be enforced.

“If she can be brought back to the country, the process of implementing the verdict will proceed. Otherwise, its execution may be delayed,” Aminul said.

“Where she is, how she is living or what she says does not fall within our jurisdiction,” he added.