DHAKA: Eminent lawyer Advocate Anisul Haque Monday said the trial of war criminals is not taking place as per the law.
 
According to the International War Crimes Act, he said, arrest warrant has to be issued against an accused only after the framing of a charge by a tribunal.

"So far as I Know, the tribunal did not frame charge against the arrested accused. But, according to the law, arrest warrant cannot be issued before charge framing," he said, indicating procedural flaws in the ongoing trial proceedings.  

He made the remarks while talking to a group of journalists at his office at the Supreme Court when four top Jamaat-e-Islami leaders have been shown arrested on charges of committing “crimes against humanity” during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War.

He said: “Many could think that I want to be the Chief Prosecutor of the tribunal since I have invited you (journalists).

“I would like to say very clearly that I have no intention to be the chief lawyer of this case," he added.

BDST: 2200 HRS, AUGUST 2, 2010