More journalists could face legal action if investigators find evidence of their involvement in crimes against humanity, incitement or abetment of atrocities, said International Crimes Tribunal Chief Prosecutor Md Aminul Islam yesterday.

“Some journalists played controversial roles and, in various ways, helped a fascist government commit crimes against humanity. During the July movement, some also made provocative statements and abetted crimes,” he said at a press briefing at his office.

Aminul said the prosecution had received a formal complaint against several journalists and the ICT investigation agency was probing the allegations.

Three journalists -- Shyamal Dutta, editor of Bhorer Kagoj; Mozammel Haque Babu, former managing director and editor-in-chief of Ekattor TV; and Farzana Rupa, its former principal correspondent -- are currently in custody in connection with investigations, he said.

Babu and Rupa are accused in a crimes against humanity case over the May 5-6, 2013 crackdown on Hefazat-e-Islam supporters at Shapla Chattar. They, along with Shyamal, have also been shown arrested in a case linked to the July uprising.

Earlier, on August 29, 2024, ICT Prosecutor Gazi Monawar Hossain Tamim filed a complaint naming 52 people, including 29 journalists, over alleged crimes against humanity in connection with the killing of college student Nasib Hasan Rihan during the July uprising.

On Sheikh Hasina’s extradition, Aminul said the matter involved state-level and diplomatic processes. Bangladesh has already requested India to extradite her.

Meanwhile, ICT-2 yesterday ordered notices to be published in two newspapers asking Sheikh Hasina, former army chief Aziz Ahmed, former IGP Benazir Ahmed and 27 others to appear before the tribunal on September 16.

Aminul also said ICT-2 might deliver its verdict next week in the crimes against humanity case against former minister Obaidul Quader and six others. All seven accused are absconding.