DHAKA, May 29, (V7N) – The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) Prosecution has called for responsible cooperation from all quarters to ensure justice, condemning the spread of false and defamatory statements regarding its members and proceedings.

In an official statement signed by ICT administrative officer Md Masud Rana, the prosecution strongly protested what it termed “aggressive, false, and intentional” misrepresentations of the law circulating on social and mass media—particularly concerning the ATM Azaharul Islam case currently under appeal in the Appellate Division.

The statement clarified that Chief Prosecutor of the tribunal had voluntarily recused himself from the hearing, acknowledging his previous role as a defense lawyer for Azaharul Islam during ICT proceedings. In his absence, Additional Attorney General Barrister Anik R Haque represented the state, while Gazi M H Tamim, Barrister Shaikh Mahadi, and Md Mamunur Rashid represented the prosecution—none of whom had previously defended Azaharul Islam.

The prosecution argued that the defense’s statements attacking the ICT's legitimacy and interpreting “conflict of interest” were legally unfounded and intended to create confusion. They emphasized that a lawyer may work in similar types of cases or for different parties over time, as seen in the precedent of Karim Khan, a current ICT prosecutor who formerly defended figures like Charles Taylor, William Ruto, and Saif Gaddafi at the International Criminal Court.

The statement also noted that renowned lawyer Khandkar Mahbub Hossain previously led the defense in the 1973 collaboration tribunal, further illustrating the legal norm of professional role variation.

“The decision of the Appellate Division, based on evidence and arguments, will be final,” the ICT statement said. It further warned that false narratives and legal distortions—especially on social media—could undermine public trust and the pursuit of justice.

The prosecution urged media outlets, civil society, and citizens to play a responsible role and refrain from disseminating misinformation, reaffirming its commitment to truth, justice, and the rule of law.

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