A bunch of distinguished British attorneys and former cupboard ministers have raised “profound considerations” concerning the trial of Labour MP Tulip Siddiq over corruption allegations in Bangladesh.
The warning is available in an open letter signed by Cherie Blair – the barrister and spouse of ex-prime minister Sir Tony Blair – and two former Tory cupboard ministers: Sir Robert Buckland, who served as justice secretary and Dominic Grieve, an ex-attorney basic.
They wrote that the prison proceedings in opposition to Ms Siddiq had been “synthetic and a contrived and unfair means of pursuing a prosecution”.
Politics latest: Milkshakes and lattes to be taxed in budget
Ms Siddiq resigned as city minister earlier this 12 months following accusations she illegally obtained a plot of land in a brand new high-end improvement on the outskirts of Bangladesh’s capital, from her aunt, Sheikh Hasina, who was ousted as prime minister final 12 months.
Bangladesh’s anti-corruption fee (ACC) has claimed the Labour MP obtained a 7,200sq ft plot within the diplomatic zone by means of “abuse of energy and affect”.
An investigation by the prime minister’s ethics adviser didn’t discover “proof of improprieties” however mentioned it was “regrettable” that Ms Siddiq had not been extra alert to the “potential reputational dangers” of the ties to her aunt.
Her trial started in August, and media stories in Bangladesh counsel a verdict may very well be handed down in Dhaka inside days.
The previous minister has not attended the trial and has maintained that the allegations in opposition to her are vexatious and a part of a smear marketing campaign.
Earlier this month, Hasina was sentenced to death by a Bangladeshi court docket after she was discovered responsible of crimes in opposition to humanity.
Within the letter, which was hand-delivered to the Bangladeshi Excessive Fee on Monday night, the attorneys wrote that Ms Siddiq “doesn’t have a correct alternative of defending herself”.
“She is being tried in her absence with out justification and… the proceedings fall far wanting requirements of equity recognised internationally,” they mentioned.
Learn extra from Sky Information:
Reeves issues ‘pick ‘n’ mix’ warning ahead of budget
Are we set for another astoundingly complex budget?
British MP and Bangladeshi PM’s argument defined
The letter was additionally signed by the high-profile attorneys Philippe Sands and Geoffrey Robertson.
They’ve known as for the Bangladeshi authorities to place all of the allegations to Ms Siddiq’s attorneys “in order that she has a good alternative to handle them”.
The Bangladeshi Excessive Fee has been approached for remark.
