HRW calls for halting Mir Quasem’s execution
Human Rights Watch has called for halting with immediate effect the death sentence against Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami leader Mir Quasem Ali.
The New York-based rights group referred to the Supreme Court’s rejection on 30 August of his review petition, an order which means that Quasem Ali could be hanged within days once the deadline to appeal for presidential clemency expires.
The HRW mentioned that in March 2016, the Supreme Court set aside a number of charges but upheld Quasem Ali’s conviction and death penalty in one case of murder in connection with crimes against humanity during the country’s liberation war in 1971.
The HRW also pointed out that that while hearing Quasem Ali’s appeal, chief justice Surendra Kumar Sinha criticised the attorney general, prosecutors, and investigators for producing insufficient evidence in the trial court.
On 24 August, a group of United Nations experts urged the Bangladeshi government to annul the death sentence against Quasem Ali and grant him a retrial, noting how the proceedings had reportedly been “marred” by “irregularities.”
The HRW added that several prominent international observers have expressed serious concerns over previous death penalty convictions.
“It is critical that the Bangladesh government ensures justice for the awful crimes against civilians in 1971, but that requires it to uphold international fair trial standards,” said Brad Adams, Asia director at Human Rights Watch.
“If there’s even a shadow of doubt about fairness, as in Quasem Ali’s case, the authorities should set aside the death penalty.”
Human Rights Watch also called upon the authorities to release or charge Mir Ahmed Bin Quasem, Quasem Ali’s son, who was forcibly disappeared on 9 August.
His family has requested the government to, at a minimum, allow Mir Ahmed to attend his father’s funeral in the event the government proceeds with his execution.
Human Rights Watch also called on the Bangladeshi government to impose a moratorium on the death penalty and plan to abolish it.
Over 20 people have been executed since the Awami League government took office in 2009, said the HRW.
Read more: