UN calls Hasina verdict ‘important for victims’ but regrets death penalty – Firstpost

The United Nations on Monday described the conviction of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for crimes against humanity as “a watershed moment for the victims”, but insisted she should not have been given the death penalty.

Hasina, 78, remained in hiding in India during the trial, which accused her of ordering a brutal crackdown against the student-led rebellion last year, which eventually led to her ouster. He was sentenced to death in absentia for crimes against humanity in the killing of 1,400 people between July and August 2024, according to the United Nations.

The UN rights office, which issued a report in February holding Bangladesh’s former government responsible for systematic attacks and killings of protesters that could amount to crimes against humanity, welcomed the release of the verdict.

“Since the report was published, we have been calling for the perpetrators – including those in command and leadership positions – to be held accountable in accordance with international standards,” said Raveena Shamdasani, spokeswoman for the rights office.

“We have also called for victims to be provided access to effective treatment and compensation,” he added.

However, Shamdasani stressed that the Office “has consistently advocated for all accountability proceedings – particularly those charged with international crimes – to unquestionably meet international standards of due process and fair trials.”

“This is particularly important when, as was the case here, trials have been held in absentia and death sentences have been imposed.”

“We regret the imposition of the death penalty, which we oppose in all circumstances,” he said.

Shamdasani highlighted that UN rights chief Volker Turk was hoping that “Bangladesh will move forward with a comprehensive process of truth-telling, reparations and justice as a path to national reconciliation and healing.”

“This must include meaningful and transformative security sector reforms that respect international standards, to ensure that these violations and abuses are never repeated,” he said.

Shamdasani said the rights office confirmed it was ready to assist Bangladesh, while calling for “calm and restraint from all” in response to the Turk decision.