Bangladesh Lawyers Move to Dismiss Charges Against Former PM Sheikh Hasina in Crimes Against Humanity Trial
Dhaka Court-appointed defense attorneys on Monday called for the dismissal of all charges against former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is currently on trial in absentia for alleged crimes against humanity.
The case centers on a deadly government crackdown that occurred between July and August last year. According to United Nations estimates, the violence left up to 1,400 people dead amid mass protests. Prosecutors allege that Hasina’s administration orchestrated the crackdown in an attempt to retain power.
Hasina, 77, fled to India following a wave of student-led protests that toppled her rule in August. Despite a court order to return, she has not appeared in Dhaka, where the trial began on June 1.
State-appointed defense lawyer Md Amir Hossain told reporters outside the courtroom, “I requested the court to dismiss all the charges. They appear to be false, politically motivated, and fabricated.” Hossain added that he has not had direct contact with Hasina during the trial process.
Prosecutors argue that Hasina held ultimate responsibility for the government’s actions during the protests. She faces five formal charges, including failure to prevent mass killings all classified as crimes against humanity under Bangladeshi law.
The court is scheduled to resume proceedings on July 10.
In a separate legal development, Hasina was convicted of contempt of court on July 2 and sentenced to six months in prison.