731 ংলাদেশের স্বাধীনতা যুদ্ধ দলিলপত্রঃ ত্রয়োদশ খন্ড "The International Commission of Jurists deeply anxious about the tragic events in East Pakistan. Request all possible steps to reduce death toll and urge moderation and the respect for law in the treatment of political prisoners. The telegram of April 15 states: "Further to (our) telegram of the 2nd April, the International Commission of Jurists deplores the reported intention to establish special military tribunals, to try the Awami League leaders. Respectfully urge that proceedings before the normal civilian courts will alone satisfy international opinion that the rule of law is observed. The International Commission of Jurists has always disapproved of the establishment of special tribunals to try political opponents for alleged political offences. There is nothing easier than to give a semblance of legality to the assassination of political opponents by having them condemned by special tribunals which lack the independence and respect for legal principles of a properly constituted court of legally trained judges. If Sheikh Mujibur Rahman or other Awami League leaders have committed any offence under the law of Pakistan, there is no reason why they should not be brought before the internationally respected civilian courts of the country". In these circumstances we consider that international opinion, which has already been incensed and shocked, should be expressed in no uncertain manner through this Committee, as the Economic and Social Council is the properly constituted organ of the United Nations concerned with human rights and fundamental freedoms. The large-scale massacre, senseless killings of unarmed civilians, including women and children, brutalities and atrocities committed on a massive scale, widespread burning and destruction of property and the multitude of indignities inflicted on the people of East Bengal constitute a problem of such magnitude that international conscience must be roused and international effort must be made to restore some semblance of civilized existence in this part of the world.
