ICT chief prosecutor clarifies remarks on 'mass killings' during July uprising

Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) Tajul Islam today said was his recent remarks were misrepresented by several local media outlets.

In a statement issued today, signed by Masud Rana, administrative officer of the chief prosecutor's office, Tajul said some media outlets falsely reported that he denied that "mass killings" took place during July mass uprising.

He clarified that such claims are a "distortion" and "misinterpretation" of his original comments.

"Widespread and systematic killings — commonly referred to as mass killings in Bangla — did occur in July," he said, adding that his statements had been misquoted.

He explained that under international law, the term "genocide" specifically refers to acts of "ethnic cleansing".

Tajul Islam urged media outlets to avoid drawing conclusions without understanding the legal distinctions.

"Reporting should be done with clarity and responsibility, particularly when it involves sensitive legal terminology," he said.

Some media outlets yesterday quoted Tajul as saying, "There no was no mass killings during the July uprising". Whereas, he said there was no "genocide" but rather "crimes against humanity" and "mass killings".