UK-based journalist David Bergman has said that British barrister Toby Cadman has resigned from his role as Special Adviser to the Chief Prosecutor of Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT).
Bergman wrote on Facebook that Cadman informed Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus about his decision, though no reason has been disclosed.
Toby Cadman later told Bergman, "My contract expired in November, and I was offered an extension, but I decided not to extend it. It would not be appropriate to make any comment as to the reasons for stepping down.”
ICT Prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim told Jago News on Monday that Toby Cadman is no longer serving as adviser to the Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal, as the government’s one-year contract with him has expired and was not renewed.
Cadman, a top human rights lawyer and joint head of the London-based Guernica 37 chambers, was only recently appointed as a special prosecutorial adviser to ICT Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam on November 20, 2024.
“I am delighted and deeply honoured to announce that I have been appointed as a Special Prosecutor Advisor to the International Crimes Tribunal Bangladesh,” Cadman then wrote on X on Wednesday after the appointment.
Cadman then said Bangladesh needed to quickly establish an effective legal framework for truth, justice and accountability, backed by international partners and accepted by the public. He also said his team was prepared to help the country develop mechanisms for the extradition of individuals accused of crimes against humanity, economic offenses and political corruption who fled abroad with illicit assets. He presented several proposals to the chief adviser during the discussion.
Cadman’s resignation comes as the ICT prepares to deliver its second judgment on Tuesday on charges linked to alleged crimes against humanity committed during the 2024 uprising.