UN, EU urged not to go against execution of war criminals

War crimes trial campaigners yesterday called upon the United Nations and European Union to refrain from urging the government to halt execution of war criminals as it is a "sheer interference in the country's sovereignty".
"We know Jamaat(-e-Islami) has appointed many international lobbyists to foil the trial and the appeal of UN and EU is its reflection...They have no right to raise questions on execution of Kamaruazzaman and our diplomats need to make it clear," said war crimes researcher Shahriar Kabir. 
The act under which the trials are being held is of international standard and in many ways better than others, he told a discussion "Spirit of Liberation War vs. Terrorism of Militants, Fundamentalists" in the capital's WVA auditorium.
Forum for Secular Bangladesh and Trial of War Criminals of 1971 organised it marking the 44th anniversary of the Proclamation of Independence.
"As per the constitution there is no provision of mercy for war criminals. But why is the administration delaying his execution?" he said.
Over recent media reports on the two war crimes tribunal being merged, National Human Rights Commission Chairman Mizanur Rahman said it would frustrate justice seekers as it would cause delay trial proceedings.
"In whose interest has the decision been taken?" he asked.
The forum provided over Tk 35,000 to each of Rafique Hossain, who pedals a van for a living, and Labonno, a transgender, along with certificates in recognition of their courage in catching two killers of blogger Oyasiqur Rahman Babu.
Stating that the government is in a deep slumber, Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Haque said it should recognise the valour.
Among others, Barrister M Amir-ul Islam, writer of the Proclamation of Independence, and Tureen Afroz, prosecutor of International Crimes Tribunals, also spoke.