Bangladesh authorities on May 11 executed Motiur Rahman Nizami for war crimes during the the 1971 war of independence. Nizami, a leader of the banned political party Jamaat-e-Islami, was convicted for crimes including rape and genocide, and is the fifth JI leader to be executed. Party leaders called on their followers to strike as a sign of opposition to the hanging. There has been international criticism of the Bangladesh tribunals, while the government claims they are necessary for the healing process to continue. The parliament of Pakistan has officially condemned the hanging of Nizami.
Last week the International Crimes Tribunal Bangladesh (ICTB) sentenced four men to death for crimes against humanity committed during the 1971 war. The ICTB, established in 2009 under the International Crimes Act, is charged with investigating and prosecuting war crimes committed during the conflict. Rights groups such as Amnesty International have criticized death sentences imposed by the ICTB, stating that the trials have "failed to meet international standards."
From Jurist, May 11. Used with permission.
