Hasina, Kamal face death penalty appeal in ICT case

The prosecution of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) on Monday filed an appeal with the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court, seeking to enhance the sentences of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal.

The appeal requests that their current sentences of imprisonment until natural death be upgraded to the death penalty for convictions on certain counts of crimes against humanity committed during the July Mass Uprising.

Earlier, Prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim confirmed the filing but declined to provide further details, citing a press briefing scheduled later in the day.

On November 17, ICT-1 convicted Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal of crimes against humanity committed during the July Mass Uprising, holding them accountable under the doctrine of superior command responsibility. The three-member tribunal, headed by Justice Golam Mortuza Mozumder, found them guilty on multiple charges.

The court sentenced both to imprisonment until natural death for three counts under charge one and to death for three counts under charge two.

Former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, found guilty of the same charges, received a five-year prison term, as the tribunal considered his full disclosure and cooperation with investigators.

Additionally, the tribunal ordered the confiscation of all properties owned by Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal in favor of the state and directed authorities to provide adequate compensation to the families of July martyrs and those injured.