Shahriar Kabir's 'War Crimes '71' premiered in London
A special screening of the documentary titled 'War Crimes 71' made by Shahriar Kabir, acting president of Nirmul Committee, was held at SOAS's Khalili auditorium of London University on October 16.
The film documented some of the dreadful acts committed against humanity by the war criminals during 1971.
Through the eyes of three youths, the film searches for truth by researching facts, rare footage and documents and interviewing eminent personalities, including many Pakistanis and war victims.
The screening was organised jointly by the University of London 's Centre for Ethnic Minority Studies, School of Oriental and African Studies and UK Chapter of Nirmul Committee.
Following the film screening, a brief discussion was held with Prof Werner Menski of SOAS in the chair.
Lord Avebury, House of Lords, said it is the responsibility of the UK people to assist legally, technically and financially the people of Bangladesh in their quest for justice.
He said the UK could assist by creating an archive of witness, testimonies and film footage.
Abbas Faiz of Amnesty International said the failure to try the war criminals has encouraged a culture of impunity.
He said the Amnesty believes establishing an enquiry commission would be a first step to seek justice for the victims whose human rights were violated in 1971.
Dr Irfan Al Alawi of the Centre for Islamic Pluralism said Jamaat-e-Islami, responsible for collaborating with Pakistani army, is the follower of fundamentalist Deobandi movement and extreme Wahabbism.
Shahriar Kabir also spoke on the occasion.
The discussants felt the documentary would help generate awareness amongst not only Bangalees but also South Asians including Pakistanis and Europeans on the need for trial of the war criminals.
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