The International Crimes Tribunal-2 has granted permission for the two children of journalist Farzana Rupa to visit their mother, who is currently receiving medical treatment in a prison cell at Bangladesh Medical University (BMU).
Farzana Rupa was arrested on August 21, 2024, at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. A Dhaka court sent her to jail on August 31, 2024. She has been in custody for more than two years.
The tribunal granted the request following a petition filed by Rupa’s defence lawyer seeking permission for her children to meet her. Rupa has been receiving treatment at BMU since Sunday while remaining in custody.
Farzana Rupa is among 41 accused facing trial over alleged crimes against humanity in connection with the crackdown on Hefazat-e-Islam activists at Motijheel’s Shapla Chattar and in Narayanganj on May 5-6, 2013.
On July 27, the tribunal formally accepted charges of genocide and crimes against humanity against former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, two journalists and 38 others in connection with the alleged crackdown.
The prosecution has alleged that Rupa and journalist Mozammel Haque Babu, through Ekattor TV’s programme Shomikaron, broadcast reports that allegedly denied deaths, discredited Hefazat-e-Islam and supported the government’s narrative during the events. The prosecution considers the alleged conduct part of the broader case against the accused.
Rupa’s defence has denied the allegations, and the case remains before the tribunal. The allegations are yet to be finally adjudicated, and the accused are entitled to due process and a fair trial.
The tribunal’s decision to allow Rupa’s children to visit their mother comes as the proceedings continue and as questions surrounding the 2013 crackdown remain before the International Crimes Tribunal.
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