The organisations whose ideologies inspired the crimes against humanity during the War of Liberation in 1971 should face trial alongside the individual accused, speakers told a discussion yesterday.
It will be difficult for the prosecutors to verify the individuals' crimes that were perpetrated following directives from different organisations, the discussants observed.
Ekatturer Ghatak Dalal Nirmul Committee, Shomprity Forum, and 71-er Ganosakkhar Dal organised the discussion on “Genocide, war crimes, and trial: International perspective” at WVA auditorium in the capital.
“Prosecutors will have to bring the scenario of genocides committed during the liberation war before the tribunal,” said journalist Shahriar Kabir.
“War criminals like Ghulam Azam and Nizami had not committed genocide on their own; rather it was done as per decision of their parties.”
So, the tribunal should try organisations including Jamaat-e-Islami, Al-Badr, Al-shams and Razakar, he said, urging the prosecutors to focus on collectively perpetrated crimes.
Shahriar said, “It would be farcical in the name of trial if the organisations and institutions which were behind the crimes during the liberation war are not tried.”
Dr Nuzhat Chowdhury Shampa, daughter of martyred intellectual Alim Chowdhury said, “I demand trial of my father's murder; no matter, the main culprit is alive or not.”
She said the trial process should be started soon as anti-liberation forces are making plot against the attempt.
Artiste Shampa Reza, daughter of late freedom fighter Ahmed Reza, also demanded quick start of the trial.
Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal, Golam Arif Tipu, said they will try best to ensure trial of masterminds of the war crimes.
Three documentaries -- Nuremberg: The Nazis Facing Their Crimes Part 2, War Crimes 71, and Judgment at Nuremberg -- were screened after the discussion. A number of prosecutors of the tribunal were present at the event.