Bangladesh's Parliament amended the country's war crimes law on Sunday, allowing prosecutors to appeal the life sentence given to an opposition leader for his role in mass killings during the 1971 war for independence.


Prior to the passing of three amendments to the 1973 law, only a defendant could appeal a sentence.


Law Minister Shafique Ahmed said in Parliament that the changes were retroactive to July 2009, allowing state prosecutors to appeal the life sentence handed down to Abdul Quader Mollah for his role in the killing of 381 civilians during the independence war against Pakistan. The prosecution had sought the death penalty for Mollah, and many Bangladeshis took part in mass protests demanding he be executed.

Bangladesh's Parliament Amends War Crimes Law - ABC News