Bangladesh International Crimes Tribunal

Bangladesh International Crimes Tribunal in 2013

United States views on international law [1] in relation to Bangladesh International Crimes Tribunal: In January 2013, Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal (“ICT”) announced the conviction and death sentence of Abul Kalam Azad for crimes against humanity committed during Bangladesh's 1971 Liberation War. The State Department issued a press statement on January 22, 2013, noting the sentence, which occurred after a trial in absentia. The press statement is available at (Secretary of State website) state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2013/01/203143.htm and included the following:

The United States supports bringing to justice those who commit such crimes. However, we believe that any such trials must be free, fair, and transparent, and in accordance with domestic standards and international standards Bangladesh has agreed to uphold through its ratification of international agreements, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

Some Aspects of Bangladesh International Crimes Tribunal

As Bangladesh addresses the legacy of atrocities committed during the Liberation War and as we await further verdicts by the Bangladesh International Crimes Tribunal, the United States urges the Government of Bangladesh to adhere to the due process standards that are part of its treaty obligations, and to fully respect the rule of law.

Resources

Notes

1. Bangladesh International Crimes Tribunal in the Digest of United States Practice in International Law