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The Special Rapporteur on the
independence of judges and lawyers, Leandro Despouy, issued the following
statement today:
Geneva, 30 August 2007: The Special
Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers wishes to express his
concern concerning the proceedings of the trial of Ms. Sigma Huda, lawyer and
Human Rights Council's Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons,
especially women and children. On 27 August 2007, the Special Anti Corruption
Court of Bangladesh sentenced Ms. Huda to 3 years imprisonment for aiding and
abetting extortion found to have been committed by her husband.
The Special Rapporteur received information indicating
that the right to legal representation and the independence of the court were
severely affected during her trial. According to these reports, defense
lawyers felt pressured. They had no opportunity to visit her in prison and
could only meet with her at the end of the hearings. They also had difficulties
accessing the case files and other relevant information, thus compromising
their ability to ensure an adequate defence. The atmosphere during the trial
was reportedly intimidating, with military and police presence both outside
and inside the courtroom, and access of the public and the media to the
courtroom was considerably restricted.
The Special Rapporteur is concerned by these alleged
irregularities which would amount to a violation of article 14 of the
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, ratified by Bangladesh.
Against this background, the Special Rapporteur calls upon the Bangladesh
authorities to ensure the right of Ms Sigma Huda to a fair and public trial
during any ensuing appeal process.
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