What were the charges against Azharul Islam?

The International Crimes Tribunal on December 30, 2014 sentenced Jamaat-e-Islami leader ATM Azharul Islam to death for three charges and imprisonment for two charges. He was acquitted of one charge out of the six.

The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court had upheld Azharul's death sentence on October 31, 2019. And the SC on February 27, allowed Azharul to move a fresh appeal before the court challenging his death penalty.

Today, the Appellate Division scrapped its earlier judgement that upheld the conviction and death sentence.

Following are the charges against him:

Charge No.1

In March–April 1971, Azharul, as president of Islami Chhatra Sangha, Rangpur unit, and in collaboration with Pakistani Army and Jamaat-e-Islami members, abducted 11 civilians from Rangpur Sadar, tortured them for seven days in the cantonment, and executed them at the Dokhigonj crematorium.

He was made accused of abduction, confinement, torture, and murder as crimes against humanity.

Verdict: Acquitted.

Charge No 02

On 16 April 1971, Azharul Islam, alongside Pakistani forces and Jamaat members, attacked Moksedpur village. They plundered homes, set them on fire, and killed numerous unarmed civilians during the attack.

Allegations of murder, plundering, arson as crimes against humanity were brought against him.

Verdict and sentence: Guilty, death by hanging.

Charge No. 03

On 17 April 1971, Azharul Islam took part in a systematic attack across multiple Hindu villages near Jharuarbeel, which resulted in the killing of approximately 1,200 people and the abduction and killing of over 200 others.

Allegations of genocide, murder, arson, and plundering were brought against them.

Verdict and sentence: Guilty, death by hanging.

Charge No. 04

On 30 April 1971, Azharul Islam led a raid on Rangpur Carmichael College where four Hindu professors and one professor's wife were abducted and later murdered.

He was accused of genocide, abduction, and murder for the charge.

Verdict and sentence: Guilty, death by hanging.

Charge No. 05

Between March and December 1971, under Azharul Islam's leadership, victims were abducted and confined in Rangpur Town Hall, used as a rape camp. Victim "M.K." was repeatedly raped and tortured there.

He was charged for abduction, confinement, torture, rape, and other inhumane acts.

Verdict and sentence: Guilty, 25 years of rigorous imprisonment.

Charge No. 06

In two incidents in November and December 1971, Azharul Islam slapped one youth for chanting "Joy Bangla" and later orchestrated the abduction and torture of his brother, who became permanently disabled.

He was accused of abduction, confinement and torture.

Verdict and sentence: Guilty, 5 years of rigorous imprisonment.