Jamaat leader Azharul Islam acquitted of death sentence

A rare precedent in the history of Bangladesh in a case of crimes against humanity was created today. Jamaat-e-Islami central leader ATM Azharul Islam, who was once sentenced to death in a war crimes case, was acquitted by the Appellate Division today.

On Tuesday (May 27) morning, a seven-member appeal bench led by Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed announced the verdict. The court said that the death sentence given by the International Crimes Tribunal did not stand due to lack of proper evidence.

In 2014, the tribunal sentenced Azharul Islam to death on charges of multiple murders, genocide and rape in Rangpur. However, today's verdict changed the entire picture in the long 11-year appeal process.

This verdict has set a new precedent in the judicial system of Bangladesh. Because this is the first time that a person sentenced to death for crimes against humanity has been completely acquitted by the Appellate Division.

Azharul Islam's lawyers say there are no legal obstacles to his release now. His lead lawyer, Shishir Monir, said, "This verdict will increase our confidence in the law, because the court has given its verdict after analyzing the evidence impartially."

On the other hand, the state said that they will consider further legal action after receiving a full copy of the verdict. If possible, a review may be filed.

In response to the verdict, Jamaat-e-Islami said in a statement that it is a "victory of justice." However, organizations supporting the liberation war expressed disappointment in the verdict. They said, "When a defendant sentenced to death is acquitted on charges where thousands of people have been tortured, it raises questions about the justice system."

Azharul Islam was accused of participating in various atrocities in Rangpur as an accomplice of Pakistani forces during the 1971 Liberation War. Based on these allegations, he was arrested in 2011 and his trial officially began in 2012.

But in today's verdict, the court found that these allegations were not sufficiently proven. Therefore, from a legal perspective, he was acquitted.

This verdict has created a huge stir in the political, social and human rights arena of the country. Now it remains to be seen what impact this verdict will have on other trials and appeals for crimes against humanity.