Prosecution to appeal over Inu’s sentence: Chief prosecutor

The chief prosecutor of Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has said the prosecution will appeal against the verdict that sentenced former Information Minister Hasanul Haque Inu to 10 years in prison for crimes against humanity linked to the 2024 July Mass Uprising in Kushtia.

Speaking to reporters after the ruling was delivered, Md Aminul Islam said the prosecution was not satisfied with the judgement and would ask the higher court to impose a tougher sentence.

He said the appeal would seek enhanced punishment for the three charges on which Inu was convicted, while also challenging his acquittal on the remaining charges.

Earlier on Tuesday, the second bench of the International Crimes Tribunal found Inu guilty on three counts and sentenced him to separate terms of 10 years’ rigorous imprisonment.

Under the ruling, he received 10 years’ imprisonment on charge three. He was also sentenced to 10 years in prison and fined Tk100,000 on charge six, with the money to be paid to victims as compensation.

A further 10-year prison term and a Tk100,000 fine were imposed under charge seven.

The tribunal ordered that all three prison terms shall run concurrently. As a result, Inu will serve a total of 10 years in prison rather than consecutive sentences.

The case relates to allegations of crimes against humanity committed in Kushtia during the 2024 July Mass Uprising.

The prosecution’s planned appeal means the case is expected to move to a higher court, where both the length of the sentence and the acquittals on other charges will be reviewed.