'Set up monitoring cell for speedy execution of verdict'
The rate of conviction for acid violence is only 10 to 15 percent of the total number of cases in the lower courts and there is no indication when the cases are going to be settled, they said.
They were speaking at a press briefing following a dialogue titled 'Justice delayed is justice denied: Role of state in reducing acid violence' organised by Acid Survivors Foundation (ASF) at the IDB Bhaban in the city.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. Presenting the keynote paper titled 'Fate of acid throwing cases: Studies of appeal in the higher court' at the dialogue, Advocate Fawzia Karim Firoze, consultant and team leader of the Institute for Law and Development, suggested setting up a monitoring cell to follow up the progress of pending cases.
This will help identify obstacles to the proceedings of a case, Fawzia added.
According to an ASF survey, a total of 1601 incidents of acid attack took place during the period from 2000 to 2005, but only 282 culprits involved in 166 attacks were convicted by the trial courts.
To check the status of pending cases in the High Court, the ASF commissioned a study in December 2005 that reveals that out of 23 death reference cases, only three cases were confirmed and two cases rejected.
The legal experts said the monitoring cell should be formed in consultation with the authorities, including the law ministry, chief justice and attorney general's office.
They also called for forming a separate bench for the trial of acid violence cases.
They also underscored the need for training and adequate manpower in the lower courts to deal with acid violence cases.
Speaking at the press briefing, ASF Executive Director Monira Rahman suggested inclusion of the acid violence issue in textbooks to raise awareness about it.
She urged the National Acid Control Council and District Acid Control Committee to play an active role and ensure transparency in their activities.
Advocate Khandker Mahbub Hossain of the Supreme Court called on the media not to prejudge the outcome of any acid violence case.