The death sentence imposed against a Bangladeshi MP convicted of
crimes against humanity is not the way to bring justice to the many
victims of the country’s war of independence, Amnesty International said
today.
“The many victims of horrific abuses during Bangladesh’s
independence war and their families have long deserved justice but the
death penalty is not the answer. One human rights abuse cannot make
amends for another,” said Abbas Faiz, Bangladesh Researcher at Amnesty
International.
“Bangladesh must overturn the death sentence
against Salahuddin Quader Chowdhury and all others. The death penalty is
the ultimate cruel and inhuman punishment and can never be a way to
deliver justice.”
Salahuddin Quader Chowdhury, six-time Member of
Parliament from the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party, was found
guilty of crimes including genocide and torture committed during
Bangladesh’s war of independence with Pakistan in 1971.
His family has said that he will appeal the sentence.
“We
urge the Bangladeshi government to ensure that Chowdhury’s appeal
complies with international law and standards relating to fair trials,
and without recourse to the death penalty,” said Abbas Faiz.
“The Bangladeshi authorities must also impose a moratorium on executions as a first step towards abolishing the death penalty.”
Amnesty
International opposes the death penalty in all cases without exception,
regardless of the nature or circumstances of the crime; guilt,
innocence or other characteristics of the individual; or the method used
by the state to carry out the execution.
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