Law Minister Barrister Shafique Ahmed on Tuesday said the convicted war criminals can also seek President’s clemency as the country’s Constitution does not stipulate as to who can file appeal to the President and who cannot.“Yes, they can as the Constitution does not make it clear who can appeal to the President and who cannot for clemency,” he said while replying to a query as to whether the convicted war criminals can seek President’s mercy.
The minister was talking to reporters after a meeting with Saudi Ambassador Dr Abdullah Nasser Al Busairi at his office.
Shafique said if any war crimes convict files appeal to the President, he will take a decision in this regard taking into consideration the importance of the case. “However, we must accept the President’s decision whatever it is.”
Responding to another question, he said the International Crimes Tribunals are taking time to pronounce verdicts for the shake of fair judgment and transparency.
The minister claimed that there is no pressure from any Middle East country on the government regarding the war crimes trial. “They only demand fair trial and the trial is being held maintaining the international standards.”
About outcome of the meeting with the Saudi envoy, Shafique said Abdullah Nasser Al Busairi only wanted to know about the progress of Saudi embassy official Khalaf murder case and requested for quick execution of the verdict. (Source: UNB)
