State-appointed lawyer says he can’t file appeal unless Hasina surrenders

Amir Hossain, the state-appointed lawyer for Sheikh Hasina and former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, has said that he accepts the International Crimes Tribunal's verdict but is "angry and deeply hurt" by the outcome.

"The verdict could have been different. But it wasn't. That is why I am angry," he told reporters after the tribunal sentenced Hasina and Kamal to death in a crimes against humanity case.

The three-member tribunal, led by Chairman Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder, announced the judgement earlier today.

Amir said he can't file an appeal as his clients are absconding. "If they are arrested or surrender before the tribunal, only then can an appeal be filed," he said.

He also alleged that the tribunal told him he would not be provided with a copy of the verdict.

The state-appointed lawyer also commented that although he was given the opportunity to present his arguments, the tribunal ultimately considered the prosecution's arguments to be stronger.