July uprising murder cases will be tried in speedy trial tribunal

Murder cases from the July uprising – excluding those pending with the International Crimes Tribunal –will be tried in the Speedy Trial Tribunal, the Law Ministry announced on Monday.

According to a press release issued by the ministry, a total of 837 murder cases have been registered nationwide in relation to the July uprising. 

Of these, 45 are currently being heard by the International Crimes Tribunal. Charge sheets have already been submitted by police in 19 cases before various criminal courts, and these will now be reassigned to the Speedy Trial Tribunal in accordance with Section 10 of the Speedy Trial Tribunal Act, 2000.

To ensure fair and efficient prosecution of these and other serious crimes linked to the uprising, the Law Ministry has formed a special committee headed by the Additional Secretary of the Law and Justice Department. The committee’s mandate includes compiling a comprehensive list of all relevant cases including their current procedural status and identifying any obstacles hindering prosecution in cases where charge sheets have already been filed (excluding those before the International Crimes Tribunal).

The committee will submit recommendations to the government to address these challenges and will periodically update victims’ families and the public on its activities.