July Uprising trials can be broadcast live with tribunal's approval: chief prosecutor

The trial proceedings of the crimes against humanity committed during the July Uprising may be aired on television or on social media subject to the approval of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), according to the tribunal's Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam.

Journalists will also be allowed to cover the proceedings with the tribunal’s permission.

Sharing the update in a Facebook post on Tuesday, Tajul wrote: “The courtroom has been equipped with digital technology to conduct the trials of crimes against humanity committed in July and August. With the court’s approval, any phase of the trial may be broadcast live or in recorded form on media platforms or social media.”

The ICC was originally established in 2010 by the erstwhile Awami League government to prosecute war crimes committed during the 1971 Liberation War. After the fall of the Awami League government on Aug 5, 2024, the interim government began proceedings to try Sheikh Hasina and her associates in the same tribunal.

Following the submission of charges, the tribunal issued an arrest warrant for Hasina on Oct 17, 2024. The former prime minister has reportedly been residing in India since leaving the country.