Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal has accused a British Muslim leader, Chowdury Mueen-Uddin, of committing war crimes during the 1971 conflict which led to Bangladesh’s independence from Pakistan. Mr Mueen-Uddin has denied any criminal conduct and indicated that he would be “happy to respond to these charges in an open and fair court of law that is recognised by the international community,” adding that he has “little faith” in the Bangladesh court.
9 Bedford Row International’s Toby Cadman, representing Mr Mueen-Uddin, has raised concern over the fairness of proceedings, stating:
“The trials are hugely politicised, involving instances of judicial and prosecutorial misconduct bordering on a criminal conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.”
It is now expected that the Bangladeshi government will try Mr Mueen-Uddin in absentia rather than issue an extradition request.
For more information, please see the BBC.