ICT defers verdict as prosecution eyes new evidence

The verdict in a crimes against humanity case over deaths and injuries in the capital's Rampura during the July 2024 Uprising has been postponed after prosecutors sought time to submit new digital evidence, reports bdnews24.com.

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT)-1, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder, granted the prosecution four weeks after the request was made during a hearing on Wednesday.

Prosecutor Shyikh Mahdi appeared for the prosecution and sought time to prepare the additional evidence. Another prosecutor, Mizanul Islam, told the tribunal that new digital evidence had recently come to light and the prosecution wanted to place it before the court.

No lawyers for the defence were present during the hearing. The tribunal did not immediately set a new date for the verdict or the next hearing.

Chief Prosecutor Md Aminul Islam later told reporters that under Section 9(4) of the International Crimes Tribunal Act and Rule 46 of its regulations, prosecutors can submit additional evidence at any stage if important material had been left out.

He said after joining the tribunal on February 23, he began reviewing cases individually. Cases where investigations appeared sound were being pursued, while those with shortcomings were being sent back to investigators with further guidance.