Inu sentenced to 10 years for crimes against humanity

The verdict was announced on Tuesday (June 30) by the International Crimes Tribunal-2.

Before the verdict was announced, the sole accused in the case, Hasanul Haq Inu, was brought to the tribunal's courtroom from the custody.

The verdict sentenced him to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment on charge number three, related to torture and political persecution. Additionally, on charge number six, involving conspiracy, incitement, and involvement in criminal acts, and charge number seven, involving conspiracy, he was sentenced to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment separately, along with a fine of one lakh taka each. However, he was acquitted of charges one, two, four, five, and eight.

The tribunal stated that although the total sentence for the three separate charges amounts to 30 years, the sentences will run concurrently. As a result, Inu will have to serve a 10-year prison term.

Earlier, after the hearing concluded on June 22, the tribunal had set June 30 for delivering the verdict.

In court, Chief Prosecutor Md. Aminul Islam argued on behalf of the state. The defense was represented by senior lawyer Mansurul Haque Chowdhury.

According to the charge sheet in the case, during the anti-discrimination student movement in July-August 2024, Hasanul Haq Inu was accused of incitement, conspiracy, instigation, direction, and assistance in suppressing the movement. The charges state that in his statements to various media, he labeled the protesters as BNP, Jamaat, terrorists, and communal elements, encouraging the use of force against them.

Furthermore, he was accused of participating in various meetings of the then-government to support strict measures to suppress the movement, providing directives for law enforcement operations in Kushtia, and being involved in implementing decisions to use lethal weapons against the protesters.

According to the prosecution's allegations, as a result of these activities, six people were killed in Kushtia, and many protesters were injured and tortured. After a lengthy hearing, the tribunal delivered this verdict as three of the charges were proven.