British lawyers file a case against Hasina at the ICC

“There is uncertainty that Hasina will be punished by the Bangladeshi court as she is currently receiving political support from India. India could be forced to cooperate internationally if the ICC issues an arrest warrant,” Ashraful added.

TBS report

November 3, 2024, 9:35 AM

Last modified: November 3, 2024, 10:59 AM

Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Photo: collected

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Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Photo: collected

Three British lawyers have filed a case at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague against former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for genocide and crimes against humanity during the July and August uprising.

The lawyers asked the court to independently investigate the complaints against Hasina and other influential people in her government through the case.

Lawyer Md Ashraful Arefin, the plaintiff and lawyer at Three Bolt Court Chambers, briefed the media on the case at a press conference at the London-Bangla Press Club on Friday (November 1).

“The case was filed under Article 15 of the Rome Statute of the ICC,” Ashraful said.

Lawyer Sarah Fore and lawyer Emil Lixandru are the other two lawyers, Ashraful told the media.

“We have presented enormous evidence of violence and repression by Hasina against the demonstrators. The evidence includes witnesses, video footage and reliable information,” he said.

During the press conference, the lawyer also said that he filed the case with the ICC because he doubted whether justice would be served in the Bangladeshi courts.

“There is uncertainty that Hasina will be punished by the Bangladeshi court as she is currently receiving political support from India. India could be forced to cooperate internationally if the ICC issues an arrest warrant,” Ashraful added.

In an interview with India’s largest news agency PTI published on September 5, chief adviser Muhammad Yunus said former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina should remain silent in India until Bangladesh requests her extradition.

His statement came after Hasina made political statements, which Yunus called “unfriendly”.

“Yes, she must be brought back, otherwise there will be no peace for the people of Bangladesh. The kind of atrocities she committed should be brought to justice before everyone here,” he said while speaking to PTI from his office. official residence in Dhaka.

About ICC

The International Criminal Court (ICC) investigates and, where justified, tries people accused of the most serious crimes of concern to the international community: genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and the crime of aggression.

Article 15 of the Rome Statute

Article 15 of the Rome Statute allows the court to exercise jurisdiction based on information regarding the crime of aggression. In that case, the public prosecutor can initiate an investigation against the suspect.

Events that led to accusations against Hasina

Hasina fled to India from Bangladesh on August 5 after a student movement turned into a national protest against the leader.

She was forced to resign her position and flee the country in a military helicopter. Since then she has been living in India, while calls for extradition increase.

Bangladesh has revoked the diplomatic passports of Hasina and her family members, raising questions about whether she can stay in India any longer and whether she might be extradited.