War crimes trial on pause as pandemic continues

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) prosecutors brought formal charges of crimes against humanity against 14 suspects, including Khan Ashraf Ali, from Bagerhat's Morolganj-Kachua three and a half years ago, reports bdnews24.com

The case has reached the deposition phase with the tribunal recording the testimony of a witness for the last time on March 19 before the offices and courts were shut during the countrywide lockdown over the coronavirus outbreak.

The tribunal has set November 18 for next hearing after several deferrals.

The only progress made in most of the 36 cases with the ICT was the change of hearing dates over the past six months amid the pandemic.

The tribunal heard the bail appeals of two suspects and recorded testimony of an investigation officer in a case during this period.

The prosecutors said the health risks involving the transportation of the witnesses from across the country made it difficult, if not impossible, to have their statements recorded.

The tribunal was also hamstrung with five of the prosecutors and some of their family members contracting the novel coronavirus.

The officials at the registrar and prosecution offices returned to work after the government relaxed the lockdown rules and allowed the offices to reopen.

Now, the judges are preparing for the resumption of in-person hearings.