Bangladesh can seek ICC help if India does not send Hasina back: Toby Cadman
Toby Cadman
Toby Cadman, an international criminal law expert and special advisor to the Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal, has expressed hope that India, a democratic state, will respect Bangladesh’s judicial system and send back Sheikh Hasina, the main accused in the July genocide.
He said this while talking to reporters after a meeting with the tribunal’s chief prosecutor and investigation agency officials on Wednesday.
After the discussion with Toby Cadman, Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam told reporters, ‘Toby Cadman has had a meeting with our prosecution and investigation agencies. He was impressed by the progress we have already made. The amendments made to the ICT Act have been very useful. There may be one or two more amendments that need to be made, and they will be discussed in a coordinated manner.’
He said, ‘Regarding bringing Sheikh Hasina from India to Bangladesh, Toby Cadman said that since India is a democratic country, they will respect the rules and laws of democracy and if the Bangladesh government makes a formal request, they will show respect for it and send Sheikh Hasina back.’
He further said, “Toby Cadman also said that if the Bangladesh government requests India to send Sheikh Hasina back after being formally charged in accordance with international law and if India does not send her back, then it will consider a trial in her absence. Even if necessary, the Bangladesh government will decide later whether to seek any cooperation from the International Criminal Court.”
“Pointing to countries that do not want to send back an accused if he has a death sentence, he said, “The reality in Bangladesh is different. Only the court has the power to decide according to the provisions of the death penalty for crimes against humanity. The court will decide whether the death penalty will be imposed or not. Whether the Bangladesh government will abolish the provision of the death penalty in this law or not, the decision will be taken in light of the needs and reality of the people of Bangladesh,” he added.
News source: The daily Star/Bangla, Wednesday December 11, 2024 12:23
