Tribunal orders security for witness facing threats after testifying against Salman, Anisul

A witness in a crimes against humanity case, against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Adviser Salman F Rahman and former Law Minister Anisul Huq, has reportedly faced threats and harassment after testifying before the International Crimes Tribunal over the 2024 July Uprising.

The tribunal has directed the police station concerned to take necessary measures to ensure the security of witness SM Sayem.

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 issued the order on Sunday after hearing submissions from both sides.

According to tribunal sources, Sayem served as a coordinator in the Mirpur area of the capital during the uprising. He appeared before the tribunal on November 3 and testified as the 13th prosecution witness in the murder case filed against Salman F Rahman and Anisul Huq.

During Sunday's hearing, Prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim submitted a written application seeking measures to ensure Sayem's security.

The prosecution told the tribunal that Sayem had been facing intimidation and harassment since giving his testimony. After returning to his home in Mirpur following the hearing, an unidentified person allegedly called him on his mobile phone, hurled abusive language at him and harassed him over his testimony.

The prosecution also said a crude bomb exploded near Sayem while he was going to the market. Following these incidents, he has been deeply concerned about his safety.

In his submission, the prosecutor said it was concerning that an important witness was facing threats and intimidation after appearing before the court and giving testimony.

He said such incidents could jeopardise not only the witness's personal safety but also the environment necessary for witnesses to testify freely in judicial proceedings. He urged the tribunal to issue necessary directions to the police station concerned to ensure Sayem's security.

After hearing both sides, the tribunal granted the prosecution's application and directed the police station concerned to take necessary measures to ensure the witness's overall security.

The trial of Salman F Rahman and Anisul Huq is underway at the International Crimes Tribunal over allegations of crimes against humanity committed during the uprising. Sayem testified as part of the prosecution's witness examination in the case.