The International Crimes Tribunal-2 (ICT-2) on Thursday sentenced Forkan Mallik of Patuakhali to death for perpetrating crimes against humanity, including rape and genocide, during the 1971 Liberation War. Justice Obaidul Hassan, chairman of the three-member tribunal, flanked by its two other members– Justice M Mozibur Rahman Miah and Justice M Shahinur Islam — pronounced the verdict at 10:50am in a crowded courtroom. The judgment was read out by the tribunal judges in phases for 10 minutes beginning at 10:40 am. Forkan, a Razakar, who faced five counts of charges, was awarded the capital punishment on two charges like mass rape and mass killing as crimes against humanity while he was given jail unto death on one charge. The tribunal, however, acquitted him of two charges as the prosecution failed to prove the charges beyond reasonable doubt. The state side has been satisfied with the judgment as it has been able to prove three charges out of the five, said prosecutor Mokhlesur Rahman Badal. On July 14, the tribunal fixed today (Thursday) for delivering its judgment. After formally closing law-point arguments from both sides, the tribunal on June 14 kept its judgment pending to be delivered any day. On December 2, 2014, the International Crimes Tribunal-2 took cognisance of the charges brought against detained Forkan Mallik. On October 27, the investigation agency of the International Crimes Tribunals finalised its investigation report against war crimes-suspect Forkan, also a former activist of Muslim League (Convention) in Pakistan period that opposed the Liberation War of Bangladesh. On June 25, 2014, Detective Branch of police arrested Forkan from Rupatali Bus Stand area in Barisal following a warrant issued against him for his alleged involvement in war crimes.–Dhaka, July 16 (UNB)
