HRW urges fairness in Bangladesh mutiny trial

A human rights group has urged Bangladesh to ensure international standard in trying hundreds of border guards accused in a bloody mutiny.

New York-based Human Rights Watch said in a statement Bangladesh should avoid a tendency of trying the accused in groups and instead should attempt to identify the individuals responsible for specific crimes.

The guards revolted in 2009 over pay disputes and other grievances and most of the 74 people who were killed were commanding officers.

A court on Wednesday indicted 310 guards on serious charges such as murder and arson. Another 430 people were indicted last week.

Special courts are handling the charges of mutiny. Hundreds of guards have been convicted and sentenced for that crime.

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