Ex-IGP pardoned in July genocide case on condition of testifying as approver

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has conditionally pardoned former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun after he confessed to his involvement in the July genocide and agreed to testify as an approver or state witness.  

As per the terms of the pardon, he must disclose details of the crimes committed by himself and his accomplices before the tribunal.

The tribunal has also ordered the authorities to keep him separate from other inmates in prison for security reasons.

The written copy of the ICT’s order in this regard was released today (Saturday). The order was issued by the tribunal on Thursday.

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 (ICT-1) in Dhaka on Thursday framed charges against Sheikh Hasina, ex-Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and the former police chief over crimes against humanity allegedly committed during the July-August mass uprising.

Standing in the dock of the tribunal on the day, the former IGP pleaded guilty and expressed his willingness to unmask others involved in the atrocities.

This confession led to him being made an 'approver (raj sakshi)' in the case, as per legal parlance.