Case Filed Against Sheikh Hasina In ICC

A British Bangladeshi lawyer, along with two other British attorneys, has filed a case against Sheikh Hasina in the International Criminal Court (ICC) for crimes against humanity and genocide in Bangladesh. The case was submitted under Article 15 of the Rome Statute of the ICC.

The case was filed by barrister Mohammad Ashraful Arefin of '3 Bolt Court Chambers.' 

At a press conference held at the London Bangla Press Club, barrister M.A. Arefin Ashraful and his colleagues stated that a discrimination-free student movement emerged in Bangladesh in July 2024, which later became known as an unprecedented movement.

In response to this movement, the government resorted to inhumane violence. To suppress the peaceful student protests, the government deployed forces such as the police, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), and the Awami League's student organization, Chhatra League.

These forces attacked peaceful protesters indiscriminately using live ammunition, rubber bullets, sound grenades, and lethal weapons such as birdshot pellets and real bullets. This brutal violence resulted in the deaths of over 1,400 people, with thousands more injured, many of whom have suffered permanent disabilities.

The former Bangladeshi government's harsh measures have led to genocide, extrajudicial killings, torture, and numerous protesters going missing in the country. These acts of cruelty and human rights violations are seen as examples of breaches of international humanitarian law and crimes against humanity.

The lawyers express doubts about the Bangladeshi judicial system's ability to conduct an impartial investigation into these serious crimes. Given the possibility of the accused former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina receiving political support from India, there are uncertainties regarding the enforcement of any local court's verdict. However, if an international arrest warrant is issued, India may be compelled to cooperate with the international community.

This case calls for an independent investigation into the allegations of crimes against humanity against Sheikh Hasina, her cabinet, and other influential officials of the government. The petition mentions various crimes, including planned killings, torture in secret detention facilities, restrictions on freedom of movement and expression, and severe crimes such as genocide.

The case presents extensive evidence of violence inflicted upon the victims, extrajudicial killings, torture, and widespread repression, including testimonies, video evidence, and detailed accounts with credible information. Additionally, there is a request for an arrest warrant against Sheikh Hasina in the interest of a fair investigation.