Public Will Judge If Parties Accused of Genocide Can Participate in Elections - Voices For Democracy

Legal adviser Asif Nazrul has said that the eligibility of political parties accused of genocide to participate in elections should be determined by the people. He made this statement today, Tuesday morning, during a discussion with journalists following his meeting with Volker Türk, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Asif Nazrul emphasized the importance of public opinion in deciding whether parties accused of human rights violations should be allowed to engage in political activities.

“It is not my place to decide,” Nazrul said. “However, if you believe that those responsible for killing thousands, maiming 40,000–50,000 people, and blinding many, still support such actions, the people must decide whether they deserve the right to run political campaigns.”

He further alleged, “According to a leaked recording, their leader recently threatened to target 287 people. From abroad, she is issuing terror threats, even though she is accused in a genocide case.”

Speaking on justice, he added, “Before the trial process is complete, if these parties continue their political programs with the intent to harm more people, the people must take responsibility for judging their actions.”

On the Issue of Capital Punishment

When asked about the death penalty, Asif Nazrul stated, “The UN has an optional protocol calling for the abolition of the death penalty. However, only a few countries have implemented it. Our criminal justice system and judicial culture will take precedence over such protocols. No government so far has taken any steps to adopt the optional protocol on abolishing the death penalty.”

He added, “If we require forensic or institutional support for legal reforms, the UN will provide it. Our goal is to deliver justice, not revenge.”

Meeting Focused on Human Rights and Rule of Law

During the meeting with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, discussions centered on establishing the rule of law and ensuring human rights.

The High Commissioner remarked, “The current government has initiated reforms in various sectors, and ensuring human rights within these reforms is under observation.”

Regarding the alleged genocide in July, he noted that a fact-finding committee is actively investigating the matter and that it is being monitored with utmost seriousness.