In their letter to the Bangladesh’s prime minister Hasina, the signatory MEPs expressed their concern of an unlawful procedures of Bangladesh International Crimes Tribunal (ICT). The court has been set up to try and punish persons accused of committing atrocities, including genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity. However, the European Parliament has criticised the ICT for not complying with international standards.
Currently, Mir Quasem Ali, a leader of the Bangladesh political party Jamaat-e-Islami, is waiting for the final review of his death sentence. There is little trust that he is given a fair proceeding as his trial failed to be fair and open. Therefore, the MEPs urged the Bangladesh authorities to halt the execution until Mir Quasem Ali’s case has been fully and independently investigated.
The fair trial and independent judiciary are key issues in safeguarding human rights. In addition, the European Parliament strongly opposes the death penalty and continues to push for its abolition worldwide.
MEPs also condemned the abduction of Mir Quasem Ali’s son, who has been assisting his father in the legal process. Bangladeshi authorities are urged to take immediate steps to find him and secure his well-being and return.
MEPs letter to Bangladesh PM Hasina on 30 August 2016