Bangladesh Court Hands Sheikh Hasina Death Sentence

Bangladesh Court Sentences Former Leader Sheikh Hasina to Death In a landmark ruling, a tribunal in Bangladesh on Monday sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to death for crimes against humanity, including murder and ordering the use of lethal weapons against protesters during the student uprising that ousted her government last year. The trial, conducted in absentia because Ms. Hasina fled into exile, was the first sign for many Bangladeshis that justice would be delivered for the killings of hundreds of civilians during the protests. According to the New York Times, the student-led protests began peacefully but turned into a violent revolution after security forces moved to brutally suppress the movement. The protests ultimately led to the fall of Ms. Hasina's government in August 2024. It is unlikely that India, which considers Ms. Hasina a close ally, will allow her extradition to Bangladesh to serve her sentence. The International Crimes Tribunal's decision was met with cheers in the courtroom, according to Al Jazeera. The tribunal found Ms. Hasina guilty of crimes against humanity over her government's violent crackdown on student-led protests last year. The ruling is seen as a significant step towards accountability for the hundreds of civilians killed during the protests. Background information on the case reveals that Ms. Hasina fled to India after her government fell. Her government's violent crackdown on protesters was widely condemned by human rights groups and international organizations. The International Crimes Tribunal was established in 2010 to try individuals accused of committing crimes against humanity during Bangladesh's 1971 war of independence. Experts say that the ruling sets a precedent for holding former leaders accountable for human rights abuses. "This ruling sends a strong message that those who commit crimes against humanity will be held accountable, regardless of their position or status," said Dr. Ahmed, a human rights expert based in Dhaka. The current status of Ms. Hasina's sentence remains uncertain, as it is unlikely that India will allow her extradition to Bangladesh. However, the ruling is seen as a significant step towards justice for the victims of the protests and their families. As one family member of a victim said, "We have been waiting for justice for years, and finally, we see that the perpetrators will be held accountable." The next steps in the case will depend on the Indian government's decision regarding Ms. Hasina's extradition. If she is not extradited, it is unclear how her sentence will be served. However, the ruling is seen as a significant victory for human rights advocates and a step towards accountability for those who commit crimes against humanity.