Bergman’s Protest: Concern Over Arrest of Former ICT Prosecutor Turin Afroz

Staff Correspondent

Renowned activist and journalist David Bergman voiced strong opposition on Twitter regarding the arrest of Turin Afroz, former prosecutor of Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT). Bergman, a notable critic of the ICT, raised concerns about the interim government’s actions.

In his tweet, Bergman stated, “If there is no evidence of murder or attempted murder—likely absent—this is nothing more than political retribution under the guise of criminal justice. The interim government must immediately release Turin Afroz and withdraw the case.” He further added, “If there are allegations of wrongdoing by Afroz or other prosecutors in the ICT process, those should be addressed openly rather than through fabricated cases.”

Turin Afroz was arrested on Monday night on charges related to an attempted murder during the student movement of 2024, confirmed by Dhaka Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner Muhidul Islam. Afroz, a former ICT prosecutor, played a key role in prosecuting war crimes from the 1971 Liberation War.

Bergman’s protest is significant due to his long-standing criticism of the ICT, which he has often labeled politically influenced and unjust. He emphasized that if this arrest serves as political retaliation against former ICT officials, it constitutes a blatant disregard for the rule of law.

Afroz’s arrest has sparked fresh questions in Bangladesh’s political climate. Since Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s fall in August last year, numerous cases have been filed against ICT officials and their associates. Her detention could mark a new chapter in this pattern.

The arrest has fueled debates on social media. While some view it as part of a broader strategy of political vengeance targeting previous government supporters, others question the ICT’s past operations, suggesting her detention may be a reaction to earlier controversies.

The incident raises doubts about the integrity of Bangladesh’s legal system and political stability. Discussions on various platforms continue, with many endorsing Bergman’s stance.