SC acquits Jamaat leader ATM Azharul from death sentence in war crimes case

The Supreme Court on Tuesday acquitted Jamaat-e-Islami leader ATM Azharul Islam, a death row convict, of charges related to crimes against humanity during the Liberation War.

The Appellate Division overturned its prior judgement that had upheld the conviction and death sentence issued by the International Crimes Tribunal against AKM Azharul Islam.

The court ordered jail authorities to release Azharul immediately, provided he is not arrested in any other case.

The order was made by a seven-member bench led by Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed.

Azharul’s lawyer, Mohammad Shishir Manir, told reporters that justice had been served, stating, “Truth has prevailed, and falsehood has been defeated.”

On February 27, the Supreme Court permitted Azharul to file a fresh appeal challenging his death penalty.

Meanwhile, Jamaat-e-Islami scheduled an emergency press conference at 11:30 am today at the Muktijoddha Hall of Institution of Diploma Engineers in Kakrail.